A pedagogical expansion on exchange coupling in magnetic interactions

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  • Center for Quantum Matter, School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 31008, China

Received date: 2025-01-22

  Revised date: 2025-02-21

  Online published: 2025-09-16

Abstract

Exchange coupling mechanisms in magnetic materials are fundamental to understanding magnetic interactions. Traditional university-level physics often emphasizes symmetric exchange interactions, such as Heisenberg exchange, which describes parallel or antiparallel spin alignment. However, the antisymmetric exchange interaction  known as the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) introduces unique physical phenomena by promoting noncollinear spin structures like skyrmions and Néel-type domain walls. This paper expands upon the concept of magnetic interactions by introducing DMI, explaining its origins, first-principles calculation methods, and applications in real materials. Additionally, the discussion includes experimental techniques for measuring DMI and explores its role in spintronics and information storage. By incorporating DMI into magnetic interaction studies, students can gain insight into advanced applications of magnetic materials and the importance of symmetry-breaking interactions in modern physics.


Cite this article

YANG Hongxin . A pedagogical expansion on exchange coupling in magnetic interactions[J]. College Physics, 2025 , 44(7) : 1 . DOI: 10.16854/j.cnki.1000-0712.250045

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