NFYK13015U Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

Volume 2015/2016
Education
M.Sc. Physics
Content

This course is an introduction to the field of magnetism in materials. The student is introduced to the one-body and many-body problems of magnetism and to simple mean-field and reciprocal space techniques for a solution of the many-body problems. Furthermore, the students is introduced to a selection of experimental techniques, which are currently used in research projects to study or utilize magnetic materials.. The physical basis of the techniques and typical data are discussed; the course does not contain laboratory work.

Learning Outcome

Skills
The student should be able to

  • describe how and why materials have magnetic moments
  • describe how and why magnetic moments in materials interact
  • calculate the magnetic response of a magnetic material to an external magnetic field
  • describe and visualize the different types of magnetically ordered structures (ferro- antiferro- ferri-magnets)
  • calculate the magnetic phase transition temperature in the mean field model
  • derive an expression for magnetic excitations (spin waves)
  • explain the particular magnetic properties of nanoparticles
  • describe the principles in a series of magnetic measurement techniques including magnetization, susceptibility, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and neutron scattering

Knowledge
The course gives an introduction to the theory of magnetism and magnetic materials, as well as to the relevant experimental techniques which are currently used by research groups in the Copenhagen area. The course will comprise the topics:

  • Magnetic moments in solids, including interactions between moments
  • Magnetic order: ferro-, ferri-, and antiferro-magnetism
  • Magnetic excitations and phase transitions
  • Magnetic materials, minerals, and nanoparticles
  • Bulk magnetic measurement techniques: magnetisation and susceptibility
  • Mossbauer spectroscopy
  • Magnetic neutron scattering.

Competences
This course will provide the students with a background for further studies within this research field, e.g. study groups in advanced magnetism or quantum devices, or a M.Sc. project.
The course will provide the students with mathematical tools that have application in range of fields within and beyond physics, in particular mean field theory as a description model for many-body problems.
In addition, the student will learn how to connect theoretical models and experimental methods.

S. Blundell, Magnetism in condensed matter, Oxford 200

Knowledge of Solid State Physics.
Restricted elective for specialisation "Quantum Physics"
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 0,5
  • Lectures
  • 28
  • Preparation
  • 104,5
  • Project work
  • 45
  • Theory exercises
  • 28
  • Total
  • 206,0
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 25 min
Without preparation time
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
More internal examiners
Criteria for exam assesment

See Skills