The quantum theory of magnetism is a well-developed part of contemporary solid-state physics. The basic concepts of this theory can be used to describe such important effects as ferromagnetic ordering oflocalized magnetic moments in crystals and ferromagnetism of metals produced by essentially delocalized electrons, as well as various types of mutual orientation of atomic magnetic moments in solids possessing different crystal lattices and compositions. In recent years,the spin-fluctuational approach has been developed, which can overcome some contradictions between "localized" and "itinerant" models in the quantum mechanics of magnetic crystals. These are only some of the principal achievements of quantum magnetic theory. Almost all of the known magnetic properties of solids can be qualitat ively explained on the basis of its concepts. Further developments should open up the possibility of reliable quantitative description of magnetic properties of solids. Unfortunately, such calculations based on model concepts appear to be very complicated and, quite often, not definite enough. The rather small number of parameters of qualitative models are usually not able to take into account the very different types of magnetic interactions that appear in crystals. Further development of magnetic theory requires quantitative information on electronic wave function in the crystal considered. This can be proved by electronic band structure and cluster calculations. In many cases the latter can be a starting point for quantitative calculations of parameters used in magnetic theory.

The quantum theory of magnetism is a well-developed part of contemporary solid-state physics. The basic concepts of this theory can be used to describe such important effects as ferromagnetic ordering oflocalized magnetic moments in crystals and ferromagnetism of metals produced by essentially delocalized electrons, as well as various types of mutual orientation of atomic magnetic moments in solids possessing different crystal lattices and compositions. In recent years,the spin-fluctuational approach has been developed, which can overcome some contradictions between "localized" and "itinerant" models in the quantum mechanics of magnetic crystals. These are only some of the principal achievements of quantum magnetic theory. Almost all of the known magnetic properties of solids can be qualitat ively explained on the basis of its concepts. Further developments should open up the possibility of reliable quantitative description of magnetic properties of solids. Unfortunately, such calculations based on model concepts appear to be very complicated and, quite often, not definite enough. The rather small number of parameters of qualitative models are usually not able to take into account the very different types of magnetic interactions that appear in crystals. Further development of magnetic theory requires quantitative information on electronic wave function in the crystal considered. This can be proved by electronic band structure and cluster calculations. In many cases the latter can be a starting point for quantitative calculations of parameters used in magnetic theory.

This book on the magnetic properties of 3d-transition metal compounds focuses on 3d-metal pnictides. It couples experimental data with phenomenological discussions and explores how certain behaviors can be explained based on an itinerant electron picture.

Graduate-level textbook for physicists, chemists and materials scientists.

This thesis presents systematic experimental research on chiral-lattice crystals referred to as B20-type germanium compounds, especially focusing on skyrmion spin textures and Dirac electrons. An emergent electromagnetic field observed in MnGe demonstrates a formation of three-dimensional skyrmion crystals. Detection of skyrmions in nanoscale Hall bar devices made of FeGe is realized by measuring the topological Hall effect, a transport property reflecting emergent fields produced by skyrmions. By measuring the electron-filling dependence of thermopower in CoGe, a pronounced thermoelectric property in this compound is revealed to stem from the asymmetric density of states appearing at certain levels of Fermi energy in the Dirac electron state. The three main results named above will contribute to enriching a variety of novel electromagnetic responses of emergent gauge fields in solids, to realizing high-performance skyrmion-based magnetic memory, and to designing high-efficiency thermoelectric materials, respectively.

Modern Techniques for Characterizing Magnetic Materials provides an extensive overview of novel characterization tools for magnetic materials including neutron, photon and electron scatterings and other microscopy techniques by world-renowned scientists. This interdisciplinary reference describes all available techniques to characterize and to understand magnetic materials, techniques that cover a wide range of length scales and belong to different scientific communities. The diverse contributions enhance cross-discipline communication, while also identifying both the drawbacks and advantages of different techniques, which can result in deriving effective combinations of techniques that are especially fruitful at nanometer scales. It will be a valuable resource for all graduate students, researchers, engineers and scientists who are interested in magnetic materials including their crystal structure, electronic structure, magnetization dynamics and their associated magnetic properties and underlying magnetism.

Density functional theory (DFT) has blossomed in the past few decades into a powerful tool that is used by experimentalists and theoreticians alike. This book highlights the extensive contributions that the DFT-based OLCAO method has made to progress in this field, and it demonstrates its competitiveness for performing ab initio calculations on large and complex models of practical systems. A brief historical account and introduction to the elements of the theory set the stage for discussions on semiconductors, insulators, crystalline metals and alloys, complex crystals, non-crystalline solids and liquids, microstructure containing systems and those containing impurities, defects, and surfaces, biomolecular systems, and the technique of ab initio core level spectroscopy calculation.

The rare earths have a unique place among the elements. Although very much alike chemically and in most phy~ical properties they each have very different and striking magnetic properties. The reason, of course, lies in their 4f electrons which determine the magnetic properties but have little effect on other chemical and physical behaviour. Although they are not rare, some indeed are among the more common heavy elements in the earth's crust, the difficulty of separation has meant that their intricate magnetic properties have only recently been unravelled. Now, however, the general pattern of their magnetism is well charted and the underlying theory is well understood. Both are thoroughly summarised in this book. It provides an excellent example of the kind of extensive synthesis which is possible with modem solid state physics. it represents only a high plateau in the ascent to complete understanding. But It will become clear to the reader that while the overall position is satisfactory there are many details still to be elucidated experimentally and much to be done theoretically before all the underlying forces are identified and estimated from a priori calculations. It is hoped that the book will provide a useful stimulus in this direction. It should also be of use to those who are interested in related disciplines, for example the rare earth compounds, or the transition metals. In addition rare earths promise to be important technologically as alloy constituents.

Specialist Periodical Reports provide systematic and detailed review coverage of progress in the major areas of chemical research. Written by experts in their specialist fields the series creates a unique service for the active research chemist, supplying regular critical in-depth accounts of progress in particular areas of chemistry. For over 80 years the Royal Society of Chemistry and its predecessor, the Chemical Society, have been publishing reports charting developments in chemistry, which originally took the form of Annual Reports. However, by 1967 the whole spectrum of chemistry could no longer be contained within one volume and the series Specialist Periodical Reports was born. The Annual Reports themselves still existed but were divided into two, and subsequently three, volumes covering Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry. For more general coverage of the highlights in chemistry they remain a 'must'. Since that time the SPR series has altered according to the fluctuating degree of activity in various fields of chemistry. Some titles have remained unchanged, while others have altered their emphasis along with their titles; some have been combined under a new name whereas others have had to be discontinued. The current list of Specialist Periodical Reports can be seen on the inside flap of this volume.

An important graduate textbook in condensed matter physics by highly regarded physicist.