Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

Special Magnetic Materials

Special Magnetic materials are those materials which are studied and used mainly for their magnetic properties. The magnetic response of a special magnetic material is largely determined by the magnetic dipole moment associated with the intrinsic angular momentum, or spin, of its electrons. Much as some materials exhibit ferromagnetic properties, meaning they form permanent magnets, some are known to exhibit ferroelectric properties, where the material possesses a spontaneous electric polarization. Rarely, materials possess both these properties, and are known as multiferroics. Scientists working at the Diamond Light Source have now been able to probe the magnetic properties of a multiferroic using the beam line I16.