Muon Diffusion in Layered Materials: Experiment and Modeling

Dear Colleagues,

The study of muon diffusion in different materials, either in bulk or thin-film form, is a compelling subject for the application of muon spin rotation, resonance, and relaxation (µSR). This technique utilizes the implantation of spin-polarized muons into a material and observes changes in their spin polarizations induced by the surrounding electronic and nuclear magnetic moments inherent to the material. Instead of settling into interstitial lattice sites via rapid thermalization, muons tend to diffuse after their implantation and their mobility is subject to variations influenced by the specific characteristics of the materials, including their structural, chemical, and physical properties. Given that muons are like electrons only with greater mass, their diffusion can be compared to the movement or migration behavior of ions such as H+ or Li+. Understanding muon diffusion in materials is not only significant for developing a basic understanding of muon–material interaction but also has implications for various technological applications. For instance, it is important in the design of energy storage devices, such as batteries or fuel cells, where the diffusion of ions is a key factor affecting performance.

This Special Issue aims to bring together experimental and theoretical investigations and improve our understanding of the fundamental aspects of muon diffusion in layered materials. These belong to an intriguing material class that demonstrates high levels of structural and chemical flexibility, with a broad spectrum of tunability in their magnetic and electronic properties. We aim to present and disseminate the most recent advances related to this theme and invite colleagues to submit their work accordingly.

Dr. Chennan Wang
Guest Editor

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• muon spin rotation
• muon diffusion
• layered material
• magnetism
• electronic order
• structural distortion
• density functional theory