This thesis describes a series of measurements and a theoretical analysis to get more insight into the fundamental working of superconducting systems when these are brought into close proximity... Show moreThis thesis describes a series of measurements and a theoretical analysis to get more insight into the fundamental working of superconducting systems when these are brought into close proximity with ferromagnetic systems, or when they are driven into a non-equilibrium state. The main focus is on the electronic transport properties of such coupled systems, from which the working of the individual part are well known. Show less