Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The interaction of ferrite materials with radiation can be exploited to engineer substantially improved radiation detectors capable of revolutionizing medical imaging technology. It can also dramatically improve vital elements of telecommunication systems, functional microelectronics, and satellite technologies. In 2021, Dr. Albert's laboratory at Lakehead University reported the first-ever observation of a photoinduced nonlinear magnetoelectric effect (PNME). The PNME effect was observed to be approximately twice as strong as compared to the conventional magnetoelectric effect (ME). This invention demonstrated that further investigation of photosensitive magnetic materials and the changes to their radiation-induced magnetic properties is important to improve modern technology. Considering the high significance of this novel physical effect, Drs. Albert and Reznik's laboratories are conducting a research program dedicated to in-depth research on the PNME effect in different semiconductive ferrites to develop high-performance PNME-based microwave devices as well as the first hexaferrite-based radiation detector capable of rapid signal processing. The requested Rohde & Schwarz ZNB40 vector network analyzer provides the necessary wide frequency range and accurate measurement of the ferrite's intrinsic magnetic parameters for investigation of PNME. This novel research program will focus on the engineering and development of new ferrite materials with strong PNME effects, their further implementation in microwave devices such as filters and phase-shifters, and development of the first solid-state ferrite-based radiation detector. The outcomes of this research program will be highly beneficial for the Canadian economy and manufacturing sectors, will strengthen Canada's leading position in the international healthcare arena, and boost Canadian telecommunication and space technologies. The proposed research program will establish a novel cutting-edge research platform that will allow a completely new field of modern material science to be investigated at Lakehead University. This ground-breaking research will attract numerous international collaborations and will allow the training of highly qualified personnel in areas of magnetic materials, functional microelectronics, and medical imaging. The program is designed to encourage and increase the inclusion of under-represented groups in material science and technology, to enhance excellence in research and training with an open and diverse approach for trainees through best practices and continuous development. The successful completion of this program will constitute a fundamentally new material science research paradigm that will make Canada one of the leading countries in multiferroic material development. Establishing this advanced research platform and developing multitudes of national and international collaborations will be highly beneficial for the development of Northwestern Ontario.