Magnetism and quantum materials

Magnets are everywhere in our lifes, from cars to mobile phones or high-speed trains. But magnetic systems exist at all scales: particles such as the electron and the neutron act like tiny magnets; planets like the Earth, Jupiter and Saturn (and once upon a time Mars) have powerful magnetic fields generated by massive dynamos in their cores.

Because of its elementary magnetic moment, the neutron can probe the magnetic properties of materials at atomic level and even down to the nuclear level: it acts as a tiny compass exploring the inner structure of matter. It can detect and characterise the vibrational motions of the individual magnetic moments. From the characteristics of the vibrational modes, researchers can determine the interactions between the local moments, which play a  fundamental role in the bulk properties of magnetic materials. In this way they have been able to optimise and develop more efficient magnets for technological applications and increase our understanding of the universe around us.

Neutrons are a vital tool in examining unusual, hard-to-measure properties, thanks to the unique interactions with magnetic electrons, and the low energy that reveals miniscule changes in the characteristics of materials. They are opening the doors to novel applications of magnetic characteristics such as quantum computing and high-temperature superconductors.