LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching will provide the student with the basic elements of the physical chemistry of magnetic materials. Through the correlation of morpho-structural features, chemical-physical properties, and synthetic techniques the student will be trained in the design of both massive and nanostructured magnetic materials for specific applications.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

In the framework  of the materials science and technology degree program, the skills acquired in the course are to be considered particularly suitable for the Materials Scientist: Research Specialist profile. On the other hand,  the topic related to the technological applications of permanent magnets provides skills that are also suitable for the profile Materials Scientist: Specialist in Technology

PREREQUISITES

Background in Mathematics, General Physics and general Chemistry is recommended 

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures. Laboratory activity. Classroom attendance is strongly recommended, and it is considered essential to perform experimental activity.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction-units of measurement in magnetism. SI and c.g.s system. Origin of magnetic moment: Orbital magnetic moment and Spin magnetic moment in quantum mechanics. Fundamental states and Hund's Rules. Coupling (Russell-Saunders, jj). Diamagnetism: Origin of diamagnetism; Classification of diamagnetic substances; Pascal's Law of Additivity. Paramagnetism: Treatment according to Langevin's Theory; Treatment according to quantum mechanics (Boltzmann equation and Brillouin function); Curie's law, Curie-Weiss law. Magnetism in transition metal complexes, Valence bond theory,  Crystalline field theory. Paramagnetism of conduction electrons. Ordered magnetic systems: Weiss theory, Heisenberg model, Band model. RKKY theory Ferromagnetism: Stoner-Wohlfart model, Phenomenological aspects. Magnetic anisotropy. Magnetic domains. The hysteresis loop. Saturation induction. Remanence . Coercive field. Antiferromagnetism: Molecular Field Theory, Metamagnetic transitions: first- and second-order transitions. Spin-flop transitions. Spin-flip transitions. Ferrimagnetism: Dependence of M on T and H. the compensation temperature. Molecular field theory in ferrimagnetic systems. Permanent magnets.  Superparamagnetism: Langevin theory applied to superparamagnetic particles. Blocking temperature. Definition of critical radius of superparamagnetic particle. Molecular magnetism: Exchange interactions in organic spin systems. Blaney-Bowers theory. Study of some technological aspects of magnetism. Hard magnets, soft magnets, magnetic steels. Two practical laboratory exercises related to the study of magnetic properties of materials will be offered. The detailed course program will be discuissed with students during the course.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

S. Blundell, Magnetism in condensed matter. Oxford: Oxford Univesity Press, 2001.

J.M.D. Coey, Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, Cambridge University Press, New York, 2010.

D. Peddis, P. E. Jönsson, S. Laureti, and G. Varvaro, Magnetic interactions: A tool to modify the magnetic properties of materials based on nanoparticles, vol. 6. 2014.

G. Muscas, N. Yaacoub, and D. Peddis, Novel Magnetic Nanostrucures Unique properties and applications. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier, 2019.