Starting from investigations of the chemical physics of rare-earth compounds, the
corresponding heavier element systems promise considerable insight into unconventional
electronic behavior. Due to a subtle interplay between the constituting elements with respect
to their electronic configuration and their physical properties intermetallic compounds
represent a wide research area of solid state physics and chemistry.
For this purpose alloys, compounds as well as crystals are synthesized and are
subjected to chemical and physical characterization. Since heavy metals are used, special
safety precautions are necessary. Inhalation of metal dusts and their escape into the
environment has to be prevented. Therefore, all experiments with a latent danger of exposition
are performed in closed set-ups under an atmosphere of argon gas. Each glove-box module is
dedicated to specific scientific experiments: preparation, synthesis, depot for samples and
chemicals, X-ray and metallographic analysis, and crystal growth.