Abstract
In magnetic insulators the magnetic moments are associated with localized electrons which interact magnetically through the mechanism of superexchange. In the case of normal rare-earth metals, of integral valence, a rather similar situation exists. However now the magnetic interaction between the localized 4f electrons takes place through a spin polarization of the conduction band so that itinerant electrons play a role. In magnetic transition metals and some actinide systems the 3d and 5f electrons are itinerant, so that the magnetic moments themselves are not associated with localized electrons. Characteristic properties of such systems are non-integral saturation moments, large electronic specific heat, and the existence of d- or f-like parts of the Fermi surface which may be observed directly by de Haas-van Alphen measurements. Clearly any theory of magnetism in the transition metals must be founded in band theory. In these lectures we shall consider mostly 3d transition metals where spin-orbit coupling may be neglected for most purposes. This is certainly not the case in actinide materials.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call