Magnetic Susceptibility and Curie Temperature

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the derivation of magnetic susceptibility and the factors influencing Curie temperature in ferromagnetic materials. The Hamiltonian for an electron is expressed as H = g μ_B ⃗B ⋅ ⃗σ, leading to the partition function Z = e^{−β μ_B B} + e^{β μ_B B}. The Curie-Weiss Law is referenced, indicating that paramagnetic susceptibility follows χ ∝ (T - T_C). The discussion also highlights that thermal fluctuations at non-zero temperatures interfere with permanent magnetic moments, explaining why measured magnetic moments are lower than theoretical predictions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hamiltonian mechanics in quantum physics
  • Familiarity with the Curie-Weiss Law and magnetic susceptibility
  • Knowledge of the Ising Model in statistical mechanics
  • Basic concepts of thermal fluctuations and their effects on magnetization
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Ising Model and its applications in ferromagnetism
  • Explore advanced topics in magnetic susceptibility and Curie temperature
  • Investigate the role of thermal fluctuations in magnetic materials
  • Learn about the effects of magnetic domain structures on magnetization
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those focusing on magnetism, material science, and statistical mechanics. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of magnetic properties and theoretical models in ferromagnetic materials.

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Homework Statement



Part(a): Derive susceptibility
Part(b): Find field experienced by neighbour.
Part(c): State temperature range. What explains temperature dependence beyond curie temperature? Why is curie temperature so high?
Part(d): In practice, measured magnetic moment is far lower than theoretical. Why?

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Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Part (a)[/B]
Hamiltonian for an electron is given by ##H = g \mu_B \vec B \cdot \vec \sigma##. Thus, partition function is given by
Z = e^{-\beta \mu_B B} + e^{\beta \mu_B B}
m = -\frac{\partial F}{\partial B} = \mu_B tanh(\beta \mu_B B)
\chi = \frac{\partial M}{\partial H} = \frac{n \mu_0 \mu_B^2}{k_B T}

Part(b)
H = \approx \frac{m}{4\pi r^3}
\frac{B}{\mu_0} \approx \frac{e\hbar}{m_e r^3}
B \approx 0.2 T
This gives temperature of about ##0.13 K##.

Part(c)
I suppose this material is a ferromagnet. Therefore, is the temperature range simply ##0 < T < T_C##? I know that curie temperature is defined as the point where material loses its permament magnetization and instead has induced magnetization.
Not sure what they mean by "outline a simple model". Do they simply mean the Ising Model? The paramagnetic susceptibility is calculated to be ##\chi \propto (T-T_C)## in accordance to "Curie-Weiss Law".
Not sure why for some materials curie temperature is so high at ##T_C \approx 1000K##.

Part(d)
I suppose due to non-zero temperature, thermal fluctuations interfere with its permament magnetic moments, as higher temperatures make permament magnets weaker.
 
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bumpp
 
Why is curie temp so high?
 
Any physical explanation as to why curie temperature in some metals are higher than others?
 
bump?
 
curie temperature? anyone?
 
Hi, sorry slow reply. Yes, if we just consider magnetic field, it would seem the Curie temperature should be much lower. So there must be some other kind of interaction which causes the measured Curie temperature to be much higher. What kind of interaction could this be? hint: you have been using a semi-classical treatment so far.

Also, yeah, I'm not sure what they mean by outline a simple model... Maybe you can just state the model in part a). I guess they are asking for any model which fits the curve above Tc.
Edit: actually, no the model in part a) is not good enough, unless you put in some shift in the temperature... ah I'm not sure about this one.

For part d) I don't think that's the right answer... Presumably, they are talking about a theoretical model which already takes temperature into account. (although they don't specifically mention it). What are some other possible reasons. For example, how might the theoretical Ising model be different from a real-life crystal?
 
BruceW said:
Hi, sorry slow reply. Yes, if we just consider magnetic field, it would seem the Curie temperature should be much lower. So there must be some other kind of interaction which causes the measured Curie temperature to be much higher. What kind of interaction could this be? hint: you have been using a semi-classical treatment so far.

Also, yeah, I'm not sure what they mean by outline a simple model... Maybe you can just state the model in part a). I guess they are asking for any model which fits the curve above Tc.
Edit: actually, no the model in part a) is not good enough, unless you put in some shift in the temperature... ah I'm not sure about this one.

For part d) I don't think that's the right answer... Presumably, they are talking about a theoretical model which already takes temperature into account. (although they don't specifically mention it). What are some other possible reasons. For example, how might the theoretical Ising model be different from a real-life crystal?

Is it because of the presence of "islands" of magnetic domains where each island points in such a way that the overall magnetization is close to zero?

image.png
 
  • #10
that sounds like a good answer. Although, the magnetisation would not be close to zero, it is just less than the theoretical prediction. So, perhaps some of the domains get nudged out of place, and become non-aligned to the majority of domains which are pointing in the same direction. I think this is the typical explanation for how a permanent magnet can lose its magnetisation when you knock it on a hard surface a few times.
 
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