Hans Schmid's research on materials and magnetoelectricity

Abstract

In October 1996, professor Hans Schmid retired from the University of Geneva after a life devoted to materials research. In his work, the investigation of the Magnetoelectric Effect plays a central role and, therefore, this tribute finds an appropriate place within the Proceedings of MEIPIC-3, the Third International Conference on Magnetoelectric Interaction Phenomena in Crystals, at Novgorod. The approach adopted by Hans Schmid in his investigations of materials justifies an attempt to analyze its relevance for the younger generation.

The verses of the German poet Friedrich Schiller (Bohr's favorites, according to Pauli) apply so well to Schmid's work that, following the example of my great teacher, I will try to stress the goal reached only by steady work, the clarity reached only through fullness and the truth dwelling in the abyss, the endeavor of a whole life never being more than a step towards the scientific truth.

I first sketch Schmid's scientific career, analyze some characteristics of his work indicating some sources of his inspiration, and then stress the originality of his approach by drawing on a few essential review papers.

Key Words:

• Magnetoelectricity
• ferroics
• domains
• boracites