Jason Kawasaki, an investigator with the Wisconsin Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison brought his passion for Heusler compounds to his appointment as guest editor of the June 2022 Issue of the MRS Bulletin.
“Heusler compounds were discovered in the early 1900s and studied for their magnetic properties. Most recently, they have come into the spotlight for applications in spintronics, topological states, and novel superconductivity,” said Kawasaki.
Kawasaki pulled together leading experts from across the field in both theoretical and experimental applications. Over about 18 months, the team worked to create a comprehensive survey of current research in this field for the MRS Bulletin.
Heusler compounds have a huge range of properties that are of interest to manufacturers. They can also be grown directly on technologically important semiconductor substrates like gallium arsenide, allowing devices based on Heusler compounds to be integrated directly with semiconductor electronics.
Kawasaki is a leader in the field of Heusler compounds. As associate professor at the UW–Madison, Materials Science and Engineering Department, Kawasaki works to synthesize thin films and superlattices of Heusler compounds with the goal of manipulating their electronic, magnetic, thermoelectric, topological, and mechanical properties.
“This opportunity was a huge honor,” said Kawasaki. “The broad readership of the MRS Bulletin provided a great venue to showcase exciting work in the field. I am very thankful to our invited authors and to my fellow co-editors who contributed to this issue.”
The MRS Bulletin is a widely recognized and highly respected publication in advanced materials research. Each month, MRS Bulletin provides a comprehensive overview of a specific materials-themed topic, along with materials news and features, industry and policy developments, and MRS and materials-community news and events.