Department of Physics, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
PH30078 Magnetism |
| Credits: 3 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must (take PH10006 or take PH10051) and (take PH20013 or take PH20060) and (take PH20017 or take PH20063) and (take PH20029 or take PH20067) |
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Aims: The aim of this unit is to explain the basic properties of magnetism, and illustrate contemporary applications of related phenomena.
Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: * demonstrate a basic understanding of the origin and types of magnetic order; * describe and explain the origins of magnetic microstructure; * explain the magnetisation process and hysteresis; * describe magneto-optical effects and how magnetism impacts upon transport properties. Skills: Numeracy T/F A, Problem Solving T/F A. Content: Microscopic origins of magnetism. Magnetic ordering; para-, ferro-, anti-ferro and ferri- magnetism. Itinerant magnetism. The exchange interaction. Heisenberg model. Demagnetising fields and crystalline anisotropy. Domains and magnetic microstructure. M-H hysteresis curves; coercivity, soft and hard magnetic materials. Dynamic effects: magnetization reversal, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, spin resonance. Thin film magnetism. Magneto-optical phenomena; Kerr effect and applications. Magnetoelectronics and spintronics; spin valves, GMR, applications. Contemporary applications of magnetism. |