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Polarized neutron reflectivity analysis of the spin structure of antiferromagnetic Fe/Cr layers reveals that their magnetic domains were laterally limited, with no correlation between the domain size and magnetoresistance. The results imply that magnetoresistance originates at microscopic levels in interface imperfections.

The characteristics of sputtered Fe/Si superlattices were investigated using x-ray analysis to study magnetic coupling between the ferromagnetic Fe layers. The results showed that the system as a whole was well-layered but the crystal structure was coherent only as long as the spacer layer thickness remained under 17 angstroms. This indicated that the Si layer was crystalline for spacer layer thicknesses below 17 angstroms.

The oscillatory interlayer magnetic coupling of sputtered Fe/Nb superlattices was investigated using neutron and x-ray measurements. The results showed that the material featured a magnetic ground state of the +-+- type. In addition, it was shown that the average lateral size of the crystallites and the magnetic domains were small despite the crystalline and antiferromagnetic order.

A design of a composite combining a spontaneously actuating liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) with heating wires embedded directly into the rubbery matrix examined. The dynamics of actuation is examined and the performance limit of a generic heat-stimulated LCE composite actuator in terms of its power efficiency and response time is estimated.