Magnetic crystals are ideal systems to study the universal properties of phase transitions, particularly systems with quenched randomness and frustration. Pure systems with different symmetries provide the foundation for studies in corresponding systems with quenched randomness. Because phenomena near phase transitions have universal properties, results from bulk magnetic crystals provide a basis for understanding phase transitions in films and nanoparticles, as well as many non-magnetic materials.

This motivates the subject of this book, which discusses phase transitions studies in magnetic crystals from the perspective of an experimentalist who has done extensive work in the field. The advantage is that many experimental techniques are described in sufficient detail for a good understanding of the results and their comparison to theory.

Contents:

• An Introduction to Phase Transitions and Universality


• Universal Critical Behavior from Theory and Simulations


• Background on Experimental Techniques


• Critical Behavior Experiments on Anisotropic and Isotropic Antiferromagnets


• Domains, Excitations, and Spin-Glass-Like Behaviors


• Experiments on Pure Magnets with Frustration


• The Unusual Magnetism of LaCoO₃: A Thermally Excited Exchange Interaction and Ordering at Twin Interfaces


• Conclusions and Outstanding Questions

Readership: Advanced undergraduates, graduates, and researchers in disciplines relating to Physics and Chemistry.

Key Features:

• The book covers ideal examples of two and three-dimensional phase transitions in well-characterized magnetic crystals


• The results are compared to theory and, because of universality, can be used to understand other magnetic and non-magnetic phase transitions


• The profound effects of quenched disorder are explored in systems where the corresponding pure systems are well understood