Dresden 2026 – scientific programme
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MA: Fachverband Magnetismus
MA 18: Caloric Effects in Ferromagnetic Materials (joint session MA/TT)
MA 18.4: Talk
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 10:30–10:45, POT/0151
Magnetocaloric Laves phases based on light rare earths: Addressing Criticality — •M. Straßheim1,2, L. Beyer3,4, J. Wosnitza1,2, and T. Gottschall1 — 1Hochfeld-Magnetlabor Dresden (HLD-EMFL), HZDR, Dresden, Germany — 2Institut für Festkörper- und Materialphysik, TU Dresden, Germany — 3Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, Germany — 4TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany
Laves-phase intermetallic compounds based on heavy rare-earth elements have long been recognized for their excellent magnetocaloric performance at low temperatures, making them promising candidates for cryogenic cooling applications. However, the reliance on heavy rare earths poses challenges in terms of cost, availability, and sustainability. In this work, we explore the magnetocaloric properties of the light rare-earth-based Laves phase CeFe2. By the substitution of Al, its unstable ferromagnetism can be disturbed enough to establish an antiferromagnetic phase below 80 K. Using a combination of structural, magnetic, and direct adiabatic temperature change measurements at the Dresden High Field Laboratory, we investigate the potential of this antiferromagnetic state for its potential in magnetocaloric hydrogen liquefaction.
Keywords: Magnetocaloric effect; light rare earths; Laves phase