UK scientists create magnetism in non-magnetic metals

The study, published in the journal Nature, details a way of altering the quantum interactions of matter in order to adjust the outcome of a mathematical equation called the Stoner Criterion, which determines whether elements are magnetic.

Magnets have multiple industrial and technological uses, including power generation in wind turbines, memory storage, and medical imaging. However, only three metals – iron, cobalt and nickel - are naturally ferromagnetic, meaning they remain magnetic in the absence of a field.

“Having such a small variety of magnetic materials limits our ability to tailor magnetic systems to the needs of applications without using very rare or toxic materials,” said Tim Moorsom from the School of Physics & Astronomy at Leeds University, co-lead author on the paper.

“Having to build devices with only the three magnetic metals naturally available to us is rather like trying to build a skyscraper using only wrought iron. Why not add a little carbon and make steel?”