Magnetism In Condensed Matter

By (author) Blundell Stephen
Short description/annotation
The superb book describes the modern theory of the magnetic properties of solids. Starting from the fundamental principles, this copiously illustrated volume outlines the theory of magnetic behaviour, describes, experimental techniques, and discusses current research topics. The book is intended for final year undergraduate students and graduate students in the physical sciences.
Description
An understanding of the quantum mechanical nature of magnetism has led to the development of new magnetic materials which are used as permanent magnets, sensors, and information storage. Behind these practical applications lie a range of fundamental ideas, including symmetry breaking, order parameters, excitations, frustration, and reduced dimensionality. This superb new textbook presents a logical account of these ideas, staring from basic concepts in electromagnetsim and quantum mechanics. It outlines the origin of magnetic moments in atoms and how these moments can be affected by their local environment inside a crystal. The different types of interactions which can be present between magnetic moments are described. The final chapters of the book are devoted to the magnetic properties of metals, and to the complex behaviour which can occur when competing magnetic interactions are present and/or the system has a reduced dimensionality. Throughout the text, the theorectical principles are applied to real systems. There is substantial discussion of experimental techniques and current reserach topics. The book is copiously illustrated and contains detailed appendices which cover the fundamental principles.
Table of contents
1. Introduction ; 2. Isolated magnetic moments ; 3. Environments ; 4. Interactions ; 5. Order and magnetic structures ; 6. Order and broken symmetry ; 7. Magnetism in metals ; 8. Competing interactions and low dimensionality ; Appendix A: Units in electromagnetism ; Appendix B: Electromagnetism ; Appendix C: Quantum and atomic physics ; Appendix D: Energy in magnetism and demagnetism ; Appendix E: Statistical mechanics ; Appendix F: List of symbols ; Index
Review quote
I can warmly recommend this book to anyone considering giving a course on magnetism and for those students of condensed matter physics, who have no access to such a course ... it is also very useful and enjoyable reading for those who have been working in magnetism for some time and have felt the lack of a systematic review of the subject.
Review quote
... the reader or student obtains a very thorough and systematic background in which to place the large variety of subject matter.
Biographical note
Dr Stephen Blundell, University of Oxford, Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, Tel.: 01865/272347, Fax: 01865/272400, Email: s.blundell@physics.ox.ac.uk
Publisher''s notice
Dr Stephen Blundell, University of Oxford, Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, Tel.: 01865/272347, Fax: 01865/272400, Email: s.blundell@physics.ox.ac.uk
Feature
Solutions manual available on request from the OUP website Superb text in the new Oxford Master Series in Condensed Matter Physics Unique in covering fundamental principles, experimental techniques and technological applications. Key points highlighted throughout Includes tutorial material- illustrations, examples and problem sets Detailed appendices to aid understanding Lucid exposition of the key physical concepts and ideas
Version history
Solutions manual available on request from the OUP website Superb text in the new Oxford Master Series in Condensed Matter Physics Unique in covering fundamental principles, experimental techniques and technological applications. Key points highlighted throughout Includes tutorial material- illustrations, examples