Neutron scattering studies of magnetic semiconductors

My talk will begin with a "Why neutrons?" overview of basic neutron scattering physics facts, and of neutron scattering techniques used for investigating condensed matter systems. Next, I tell about spintronics -- its advent, its current status, and about successes and challenges on the road to developing semiconductor spintronics. In this context I will then present research on magnetic semiconductors that our OSU neutron scattering team conducts. In particular, the main emphasis will be on studies of magnetic exchange interactions in semiconducting systems -- interactions between individual magnetic ions, as well as between magnetic films separated by a thin semiconducting non-magnetic spacer. At the end, I will tell about new exciting opportunities that have opened up to US condensed matter researchers due to recent commissioning of SNS, a new neutron "supersource" at Oak Ridge, TN.