Far-infrared synchrotron radiation spectroscopy of solids in normal and extreme conditions

New opportunities in solid-state physics are offered by SINBAD (Synchrotron INfrared Beamline At DAFNE), the infrared beamline operational at DAΦNE, the storage ring of the Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati of the INFN. During 2003 several experiments, including those supported by the European TARI program, have been successfully performed at SINBAD. In this work we present the preliminary results of high resolution far infrared reflectivity data collected in different ZnxCdyHg(1–x–y)Te quaternary alloys as a function of temperature. The first far-IR investigation of Colossal Magnetoresistance manganites at high pressures, using a diamond anvil cell is also presented. Indeed, FT-IR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the investigation of insulating-to-metal transitions and charge ordering phenomena that may occur in transition metal oxides. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)