Unidirectionally solidified eutectics for optical, electronic, and magnetic applications

Abstract

The field of unidirectionally solidified eutectics for other than structural applications has grown considerably since the first studies were reported in 1963. During that year, studies at RCA on the thermoelectric eutectic InSb-Sb, investigations of the InSb-NiSb eutectic for magnetoresistive applications at Siemens, studies on the superconducting Cb-Th eutectic system at M.I.T., and an investigation of halide eutectics at UARL appear to have been progressing simultaneously. The most extensive investigations on eutectics of this type since the initial studies have been conducted by researchers at Siemens Research Laboratory, Lehigh University and the United Aircraft Research Laboratories. These investigations have resulted in the preparation of many new materials for thermoelectric, ferromagnetic, optical, and electronic applications. Some of these materials have already been used in practical devices.