Influence of strains in the occurrence and on the dynamics of the Verwey phase transition in magnetite

In this proposal we will investigate the influence of strains in the metal-insulator phase transition (the Verwey transition) of the canonical compound, magnetite (Fe$_3$O$_4$). We have shown that strains, either intrinsic or externally induced, have a clear influence in the dynamics of the electronic orderings (see Figure of this proposal) as well as in the electronic phase separation below the metal-insulator transition. A picture of the extent and location of these strains is clearly missing. We firmly believe that the new microcopy recently installed at ID06 will help elucidate these matters.