Iron

Iron (Fe) is a chemical element with atomic number 26, known for its role as a key constituent of steel and various other alloys. Iron is the fourth most common element in the Earth's crust and has an atomic mass of 55.845 u. It has a melting point of 1538°C (2800°F) and a density of 7.874 g/cm³. As a metal, it is characterized by its magnetic properties, high tensile strength, and ductility.

Iron forms numerous compounds, of which its oxides are highly significant in both nature and technology. Bismuth Ferrite (BiFeO3), commonly referred to as BFO, is a multiferroic compound, which means it simultaneously exhibits ferromagnetic and ferroelectric properties at room temperature. This rare combination of properties enables applications in novel multifunctional materials for data storage, where electric fields can control magnetism. BFO is also a promising material for spintronic devices, sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting systems. As a result, it is usually consumed as BFO sputter target, to make micro components or thinfilm coatings.

Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG, Y3Fe5O12) is another complex iron oxide with remarkable magnetic properties. YIG is a ferrimagnetic material and is known for its very low microwave losses, which makes it ideal for use in microwave and magnetic resonance devices, including filters, oscillators, and isolators. Its excellent magneto-optical properties also make YIG useful in optical devices that manipulate light based on magnetic fields, like optical isolators and circulators, which are essential components in laser technology and telecommunications.