Symmetry analysis of magnetic structures on the microscopic and macroscopic methods of E.F. BERTAUT

Abstract

Magnetic long range ordering was questioned experimentally and theoretically, very early by Weiss [1], Dirac [2], Heisenberg [3], Van Vleck [4] and others, before the hypothesis of antiferromagnetism was developed by Néel [5], as well as before the hypothesis of Rutherford concerning [6] the existence of the neutron was confirmed by Chadwick [7]. As a revelation, the experimental proof of antiferromagnetic (AF) ordering in MnO demonstrated by Shull and Smart [8] enlightened the unique powerfulness of neutron scattering in asserting definitively the prediction of Néel. At that critical period, Bertaut emerged rapidly as one of the most prolific and brilliant solid state chemists and physicists aiming to relate systematically the physical properties of solid state materials to crystal structure symmetry. © Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2012.