Magnetic Properties of Rare Earth Metals

Book excerpt: 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.