The remarkable physical properties of transition metal oxides result from the strong interactions between orbitals, charges, spins and lattice. The discovery and the understanding of these properties – superconductivity, thermoelectricity, magnetoresistance – is based on a close relationship between solid-state chemists, able to design new crystallographic structures in which the ligand field stabilizes different types of cations, and solid-state physicists and specialists of spectroscopic techniques, such as absorption at the transition-metals and oxygen edges or local probes, who are able to extract the characteristic electronic and magnetic features of these cations.

In the scope of this network, the search for new compounds will be made by standard solid state chemistry in Caen (CRISMAT) and Bordeaux (ICMB) laboratories, also in charge of the structural and physical property characterizations, by high pressure techniques in Liverpool and Madrid, and by
hydrothermal synthesis in Timisoara. The origin of physical properties will be studied in close relationship by different spectroscopy techniques (XANES, dichroïsm: Köln University; Raman, IR conductivity, inelastic neutron scattering: MPI Stuttgart).

The collaboration between new oxides discoverers and specialists of the orbital/spin physics will allow the creation of a unique training and research potential on metal-transition oxides. Furthermore, the involvement of the industrial partner (NXP) will provide strong benefit to all members of the network by demonstrating how to iterate fundamental science advances into technology and process development. The proposed investigation, being at the spearhead of the modern condensed matter physics and solid state chemistry, will give an excellent opportunity to teach and train young researchers in this new and challenging field.