This textbook by Stephen Blundell discusses the modern theory of the magnetic properties of solids. It is intended for students in the natural sciences and covers the fundamental principles of magnetism and its relationship to quantum mechanics.
Contents
The book explains how the quantum-mechanical character of magnetism leads to new magnetic materials with applications such as permanent magnets, sensors, and data storage. Behind these applications lie concepts such as symmetry breaking, order parameters, excitation processes, frustration, and reduced dimensionality.
The theory begins with the fundamentals of electromagnetism and quantum mechanics, after which the origin of magnetic moments in atoms and their interactions with one another within crystals are discussed. It also covers the magnetic properties of metals and complex behavior due to competing interactions.
The theoretical principles are linked to experimental techniques and current research topics. The book is richly illustrated and includes detailed appendices on the fundamental principles.
Product specifications
- Author: Stephen Blundell (, Department of Physics, University of Oxford)
- Series: Oxford Master Series in Condensed Matter Physics
- Publisher: Oxford University Press
- Publication date: 2001-10-04
- Number of pages: 256
- ISBN: 9780198505914
- Theme: Condensed matter physics (liquid state and solid state physics)
- BISAC: SCIENCE / Physics / Condensed Matter
About the author
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