Magnetic Anisotropy in Crystalline Materials

This lecture delves into the concept of magnetic anisotropy in crystalline materials, exploring how the orientation of magnetization is influenced by the crystal structure. The instructor explains the origin of magnetic moments in atoms, the interactions between spins, and the factors determining the preferred direction of magnetization in grains. The discussion covers the effects of shape anisotropy and the magnetic anisotropy energy, crucial for understanding the stability of magnetic systems. The lecture also touches on quantum tunneling of magnetization and the experimental techniques used to measure the spin and orbital moments separately.