Icosahedral Symmetry and Magnetism

Abstract

AbstractWe examine the implications of icosahedral symmetry on electronic structure and especially magnetic properties in alloys. From simple geometric and synmetry arguments to detailed electronic structure calculations it is clear that icosahedral symmetry carries important consequences for magnetism in a wide range of alloys. Enhanced local magnetic moments, reduced anisotropies and new magnetic domain structures are predicted. We also propose a course of further study focussed on producing a strongly magnetic quasicrystalline phase and we describe interesting new metastable Co-Er phases produced in the preliminary phase of this investigation.