Magnetism

16This textbook is aimed at engineering students who are likely to come across magnetics applications in their professional practice. Whether designing lithography equipment containing ferromagnetic brushes, or detecting defects in aeronautics, some basic knowledge of 21st century magnetism is needed. From the magnetic tape on the pocket credit card to the read head in a personal computer, people run into magnetism in many products. Furthermore, in a variety of disciplines tools of the trade exploit magnetic principles, and many interdisciplinary laboratory research areas cross paths with magnetic phenomena that may seem mysterious to the untrained mind. Therefore, this course offers a broad coverage of magnetism topics encountered more often in this millenium, revealing key concepts on which many practical applications rest. Some traditional subjects in magnetism are discussed in the first half of the book, followed by areas likely to spark the curiosity of those more interested in16 today s technological achievements. Although sometimes some aspects may seem difficult to comprehend at first, bibliography directs the reader to appropriate further study. Throughout the chapters, the student is encouraged to discover the not-so-obvious associations between different magnetics topics, a task that will prove to be at the very least rewarding.04Traditional Magnetism.- The Magnetization Process. Micromagnetism.- Magnetic Nondestructive Testing Techniques.- Uses of the Magneto-Optical Effect.- Magnetoelectric Materials.- Giant Magnetoresistance, Spin Valves.- Introduction to Spintronics.- Some Magnetic Recording Media Developments.- Concluding Remarks13Review by Dr. Rudolf Schaefer, Inst. Mat. Res. Dresden, Germany, author of the book Magnetic Domains: It is surprising that after so many general text books on magnetism it is possible to come up with a new book which differs from the others. Carmen-Gabriela Stefanita has written an entertaining and in many aspects unconventional book. It touches basic aspects of magnetism as well as many modern aspects (like Spintronics) on an introductory level. Unconventional, nevertheless interesting, is the selection of topics and examples. It seems unlikely that lectures on magnetism can be prepared solely on basis of this book too many basic aspects are missing to come up with a complete story. The book will nevertheless be a valuable reading for the preparation of lectures as many, especially modern topics on magnetism are presented in a descriptive way. Very useful are the many exercises in and at the end of each chapter. If available, I will certainly have this book on my desk and recomm13end it to students.