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402-0535-00L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-ITET , D-MATL , D-PHYS
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Introduction to Magnetism

Lecturers & Examiners: PD Dr. Alessandro Vindigni
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:58

Abstract

This course tackles the fundamental question of why only a few materials exhibit magnetism in Nature. The origin of atomic magnetic moments and the key mechanisms that govern their interactions are justified starting from fundamental principles. In addition, the influence of thermal fluctuations on magnetic ordering is discussed as well as the formalism to describe magnetic resonance phenomena.

Objective

By the end of this course, students will develop the ability to utilize quantum mechanics concepts to estimate the strength of atomic magnetic moments and understand their reciprocal interactions. They will gain proficiency in interpreting experimental measurements on model systems in terms of material composition and an appropriate, phenomenological spin Hamiltonian. For instance, students will be able to recognize whether the magnetic hysteresis observed in some samples arises from slow dynamics or from a phase transition. Lastly, they will be capable of interpreting the occurrence of abrupt transitions or the emergence of characteristic length scales as resulting from the interplay between competing interactions. Altogether, students will acquire the basic knowledge needed to develop a research project in the field of magnetism or to attend effectively more advanced courses on this topic.

Content

The lecture “Introduction to Magnetism” aims at letting students familiarize themselves with the basic principles of quantum and statistical physics that determine the behavior of real magnets. Understanding why only a few materials are magnetic at finite temperature will be the leitmotiv of the course. We will see that defining in a formal way what “being magnetic” means is essential to address this question properly. Theoretical concepts will be applied to a few selected nano-sized magnets, which will serve as clean reference systems. Topics: - Magnetism in atoms (quantum-mechanical origin of atomic magnetic moments, intra-atomic exchange interaction) - Magnetism in solids (mechanisms producing inter-atomic exchange interaction in solids, crystal field) - Magnetic order at finite temperatures (Ising, XY, and Heisenberg models, low-dimensional magnetism) - Spin precession and relaxation (Larmor precession, resonance phenomena, quantum tunneling, Bloch equation, superparamagnetism)

Resources

Lecture Notes

Learning material will be made available through Moodle and through the ETH JupyterHub.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Introduction to Magnetism
  • Mon 14:45-17:30 (HPK D 24.2)
  • 01.10 Date 13:45-16:30 (HIT H 51)
3 h weekly

Offered In