This article is cited in 10 papers

REVIEWS OF TOPICAL PROBLEMS

Anisotropic interactions in magnetic crystals with S-state ions. Nanostructures

S. G. Ovchinnikov, V. V. Rudenko

Kirenskii Institute of Physics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Krasnoyarsk

Abstract: Anisotropy mechanisms in compounds with S-state ions are discussed, including the ‘single-ion’ exchange mechanism that was developed theoretically by Nikiforov and coworkers based on the two-ion model and which has only recently received detailed experimental study. Results demonstrating the significant role of the ‘single-ion’ source are presented. An independent generalized method for quantitatively describing and predicting the anisotropy of magnetically ordered crystals is discussed, and its potential for the investigation of the BiFeO$_3$ multiferroic in the region of the existence of a spin cycloid is examined. The anisotropic interactions responsible for the formation of nanostructures in the form of spin vortices (skyrmions) in MnSi and Cu$_2$OSeO$_3$ are analyzed.

Keywords: anisotropy, magnetic, spin, Hamiltonian.

PACS: 75.25.-j, 75.30.Gw, 76.30.Fc

Received: December 21, 2013
Revised: June 21, 2014
Accepted: June 24, 2014

DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0184.201412b.1299

 English version: Physics–Uspekhi, 2014, 57:12, 1180–1198

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