Magnetocaloric Effect: Applications and Materials

This lecture explores the magnetocaloric effect, discussing its applications at low and room temperatures. At low temperatures, adiabatic magnetization is achieved using liquid nitrogen or helium, dilution refrigerators, and paramagnetic salts. At room temperature, the focus is on finding materials for refrigeration that are commercially superior to compressed gas systems, with research emphasizing large temperature changes, minimal coolant mass, and avoidance of toxic or scarce materials. The lecture also delves into specific materials like the gadolinium selenium germanium alloy, showcasing unique ferromagnetic phase transitions and the potential for significant cooling effects.