Among the novel properties realized in chiral magnetic systems the multiferroicity is one of the most attractive. Most of the chiral magnetoelectric multiferroics investigated in recent years are geometrically frustrated magnets. An exception are the layered perovskites LnBaCuFeO5, one of the most promising chiral multiferroics for ambient temperature applications. In samples prepared in polycrystalline and single-crystal form we have thoroughly investigated the close relationship between Fe/Cu chemical disorder and the stability and properties of its spiral magnetic order (TS). A triple-point was reached in YBaCuFeO5 compounds limiting the maximum TS to ~370K in absence of external perturbations.

Within the context of optimization and upgrade of high-temperature spiral multiferroics, we also tackled the effects of increasing the spin-orbit coupling in these layered perovkites by introducing less symmetric Mn3+ ions (L=2, S=2) at the B site. We proved that the tilt of the rotation plane of the spins in the spiral phase can be tuned by the presence of Mn, which can transform a helix-type magnetic order into a cycloidal-type spiral.

The latter being more favorable for generating ferroelectricity. Other activities focused on potential hybrid multiferroics, and elastic, charge and spin coupled transitions in frustrated oxides. One of the most interesting systems for photovoltaic conversion of light to electricity is Titania. Since its efficiency is related with the atomic coordination of the topmost Ti-atoms at the surface, anatase is a good model system. However anatase crystals cannot be artificially synthesized, its most active surface being the most unstable.

Among our activities on titania film synthesis we have grown anatase-TiO2(001) surfaces in the form of TiO2 films by PLD and MBE in UHV with enough quality and cleanliness to be used for Surface Science purposes. The explored range of film thicknesses goes from few nm (MBE) to more than one hundred (PLD).