Tutorial Problem

The maximum magnetization, M0 in iron is about 1.75 x 106

Am-1 . This corresponds to all possible net spins aligning
parallel to each other. Calculate the effective number of Bohr
magnetons per atom that would give M0 given that the
density and relative atomic mass of iron are 7.86 g cm-3 and
55.85, respectively.

PYL563 Solid State Physics

 Theories of ferromagnetism
Band theory:
All attempts at localizing the outer electrons of the atom
are abandoned.
Also called collective-electron theory and itinerant-
electron theory.
This theory accounts quite naturally for the nonintegral
values of the moment per atom.
Cannot account for moment per atom in some alloys

PYL563 Solid State Physics

 Band theory
The density of 3d levels is far greater
than that of 4s levels:
Because there are ve 3d levels per atom,
with a capacity of 10 electrons, whereas
there is only one 4s level, with a capacity of
two electrons

The area under each N(E) vs E curve is equal

to the total number of levels in the band

Rigid-band model : Band shape does not

change from Mn to Zn

PYL563 Solid State Physics

 Band theory
Rigid-band model : Band shape does not
change from Mn to Zn

The 3d band of transition elements is never

completely full.
Copper s 3d zone is completely full and its
Fermi level
4s zone half full.
In zinc both zones are full

9.4 electrons per atom in the 3d band and

0.6 electron per atom in the 4s band

PYL563 Solid State Physics

 Band theory
Suppose an atom has just one electron in a particular energy level, when the
atom is free
Then suppose that 10 such atoms are brought together to form a crystal.
Then the single level in the free atom will split into 10 levels

The force creating this spin

unbalance in a ferromagnet is
just the exchange force.
To create a spin unbalance
requires that one or more
electrons be raised to higher
energy levels; these levels
must not be too widely spaced

PYL563 Solid State Physics

 The ferromagnetism of Fe, Co, and Ni
is due to spin unbalance in the 3d band.
The 4s electrons are assumed to make no contribution.
Reason: The density of levels in the 4s band is low the
levels are widely spaced
Criteria for ferromagnetism in a metal

The electrons responsible must lie in partially lled bands in order that there may be
vacant energy levels available for electrons with unpaired spins to move in to rules
out inner core electrons
The density of levels in the band must be high, so that the increase in energy caused
by spin alignment will be small rules out valence electrons
The atoms must be the right distance apart so that the exchange force can cause the
d-electron spins in one atom to align the spins in a neighboring atom.
First two are satisfied by 3d bands of Fe, Co, Ni and 4f bands of rare earths
These are a blend of experiment and theory, and were not predicted from rst
principles.
PYL563 Solid State Physics
 Density of states (Schematic)
non-ferromagnetic state, ferromagnetic state,

PYL563 Solid State Physics

 Half Metal
Non-ferromagnetic CrO2 Ferromagnetic CrO2

Half-metal : the spin down band is metallic

while the spin up band is an insulator.
100% spin polarization at the Fermi level.

PYL563 Solid State Physics