2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS3422 Magnetism in Condensed Matter

15 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Thomas Moore
Email: T.A.Moore@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

PHYS 3421 Magentism in Condensed Matter

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Magnetic materials underpin much of modern technology and thus our everyday lives, from electric motors to data storage, sensors and computing. An understanding of magnetism in condensed matter requires knowledge in several areas of physics to be brought together, including classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics and condensed matter physics. The first half of this course focuses on the theory of ferromagnetism, while the second half uncovers the physics behind the applications, such as permanent magnets and spin electronics.

Objectives

Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:
1. Exchange interaction
2. Magnetic anisotropy
3. Demagnetising field
4. Magnetic domains and simple micromagnetics
5. Magnetotransport
6. Current issues in thin film magnetism, magnetic heterostructures and devices

Skills outcomes
Problem modelling and solving

Syllabus

Introduction to basic concepts. Measurements of magnetisation. Exchange and Heisenberg Hamiltonian. antisymmetric exchange. Magnetisation vs. temperature: Molecular field, Stoner model, magnons, critical regime. Anisotropy and Superparamagnetism. Stoner-Wohlfarth particles. Origins of anisotropy. Exchange anisotropy. Magnetostatic self-energy and demagnetising factors. Shape anisotropy. Domain structures and domain walls. Simple micromagnetics. Magnetization dynamics. Permanent magnets and energy products. Low-dimensional ordering, perpendicular anisotropy. Spin-dependent band structures - spin-dependent transport. Anisotropic, giant, and tunnelling magnetoresistance. Spin torque. Magnetotransport measurements. Spin-valves, magnetic tunnel junctions, read-write heads and MRAM.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	24	1.00	24.00
Private study hours			126.00
Total Contact hours			24.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative courseworks - Workshops and regular homeworks.

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 30 mins	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

Students will have to complete an in-person exam at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2024 16:19:13

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