Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Magnetically Induced Rotating Rayleigh-Taylor Instability
Published on: March 3, 2017
Inducing magnetism in non-magnetic α-FeSi2 by distortions and/or intercalations
Vyacheslav Zhandun1, Natalia Zamkova1, Pavel Korzhavyi2
1Kirensky Institute of Physics, Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Centre, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences", 660036 Krasnoyarsk, Russia. jvc@iph.krasn.ru.
Abstract:
By means of hybrid ab initio + model approach we show that the lattice distortions in non-magnetic α-FeSi2 can induce a magnetic state. However, we find that the distortions required for the appearance of magnetism in non-magnetic α-FeSi2 are too large to be achieved by experimental fabrication of thin films. For this reason we suggest a novel way to introduce magnetism in α-FeSi2 using "chemical pressure" that is, intercalating the α-FeSi2 films by light elements. Theoretical study of the distortions resulting from intercalation reveals that the most efficient intercalants for formation of magnetism and a high spin polarization are lithium, phosphorus and oxygen. Investigation of the dependency of the magnetic moments and spin polarisation on the intercalation atoms concentration shows that the spin polarization remains high even at small concentrations of intercalated atoms, which is extremely important for modern silicate technology.
Related Concept Videos
Colors and Magnetism
When atoms or molecules absorb light at the proper frequency, their electrons are excited to higher-energy orbitals. For many main group atoms and molecules, the absorbed photons are in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which cannot be detected by the human eye. For coordination compounds, the energy difference between the d orbitals often allows photons in the visible range to be absorbed and emitted, which is seen as colors by the human...
Magnetism
An individual magnetic pole cannot be isolated. No matter how small, every piece of a magnet contains a north pole and a south...
Magnetic Flux
Suppose a surface is divided into elements of area dA. For each element, the component of the magnetic field that is normal to the...
Magnetic Damping
If, however, the bob is a slotted metal plate, the magnet produces a much smaller effect. When a slotted metal plate enters the field, an emf is induced by the change in flux; however, it is less effective because the slots limit the...
Magnetic Declination
Magnetic Fields
A magnetic field is defined by the force that a charged particle experiences...

