antiferromagnetism
Antiferromagnetism is a type of magnetic ordering in materials where adjacent atomic spins align in opposite directions. This results in a net magnetic moment of zero, as the opposing spins cancel each other out. Antiferromagnetic materials typically exhibit this behavior at low temperatures and can transition to a paramagnetic state when heated.
Common examples of antiferromagnetic materials include iron oxide and manganese oxide. These materials are important in various applications, such as in spintronics, where the manipulation of electron spins is utilized for advanced electronic devices. Understanding antiferromagnetism is crucial for developing new technologies.