Magnetic Materials

Course goals

At the end of the course, the student is able to:
1. Identify and describe crystal structures based on general principles of chemical bonding and symmetry ( involving atoms and molecules).
2. Explain the origin of the different type of magnetism (diamagnetism, paramagnetism, ferromagnetism, ferrimagnetism and antiferromagnetism), as well as superconductivity.
3. Connect the abovementioned magnetic properties of a material to its crystal structure and chemical bonding.
4. Interpret experimental observations of magnetic materials, and relate these to theory.
5. Explain the principles behind selected applications of magnetic materials that are used in modern technology.

Content

This course focuses on properties of magnetic materials, their crystal structures and application in magnetic technologies. This course is the fourth in a set of four courses connected by the ‘Quantum Materials’ theme; Fundamentals of Quantum Materials (SK-MFUNQM; coordinator I. Swart), Quantum Materials: Superconductors (SK-MQUSU; coordinator A. Botello-Mendez) and Quantum Materials: Topological Matter (SK-MQUTM; coordinator Z. Zanolli). Note that while these courses are thematically connected, it is possible to following this course on Magnetic Materials without following the other coursed.
The course starts by briefly building on previously covered concepts of crystal structures to include a more detailed analysis of crystal symmetry. Next, the basics of diamagnetism, paramagnetism, ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism will be explained, and the relationships between these magnetic phenomena and the nature of the chemical bonding and crystal structure will be made explicit. The course will focus on certain aspects such as crystal field, anisotropy, and small dimensions on the magnetic properties found in these materials. Superconductivity will also be discussed from a magnetic viewpoint.
In the final part of the course, the students will learn about modern applications of magnetic materials and will be introduced to experimental techniques to probe magnetic properties of materials.

This course assumes prior knowledge regarding trends within the periodic table, the concept of close-packing of atoms to form crystals, the electrical properties of metals, semiconductors and insulators (including electronic band structures), semiconductor devices, and dielectric materials. The following courses cover these topics at UU: Inorganic Chemistry, Solids and Surfaces (in BSc Chemistry), and Fundamentals of Quantum Materials and Quantum Chemistry 2: Theory and DFT simulations (in MSc Nanomaterials Science).

Assessment:
Final grade is based on a written exam (80 % weight) and an oral presentation (20 % weight)