The field of semiconductors called dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMS), in which doping the semiconductor with small amounts of magnetic ions leads to collective ordering of the dilute magnetic dipoles, has received considerable attention due to the observation of room temperature ferromagnetism with remnant magnetization values that are unexpectedly high. Several of the dopants exhibit at the same time in favorable optical luminescence properties, which resulted in the demonstration of LEDs [6-9] and optical amplifiers. Combining these properties opens the possibility for novel magneto-photonic devices. Despite intense research in this field, which shed some light on the magnetic properties of these optically active ions, many open questions remain among them:

•What is the mechanism of coupling the magnetic spins?

•Why does the magnetization depend so strongly on growth conditions?

•How can the magnetic and optical properties be coupled and utilized in devices?

•What is the decisive figure of merit that enables practical use?

The workshop aims at identifying the most critical open questions, compare notes about potential solutions and develop strategies and strategic partnerships for overcoming barriers for applications.