Papers - Surface Magnetization and Block Structure of Ferrite (With Discussion)

The magnetic powder method, long used for roughly mapping magnetic fields, has recently been refined1, "or investigating the microscopic variations in the surface magnetization of ferromagnetic crystals. Bitter2 first discovered regular powder patterns connected with the crystal structure of such specimens. Several other investigators:' have used Bitter's original technique, with slight modifications, to study the variation of the patterns with variations in the magnetizing field applied parallel to the surface, and their dependence upon the state of strain, of polish and of crystal cut. All of the explanations of these patterns on metallic ferromagnetics have been couched in general terms. In a preliminary report we have described an improvement ill the powder technique which led us to the discovery of a new effect throwing considerable light on the magnetic secondary structure of alpha iron4 and of nickel5 single crystals. We now report additional evidence confirming the existence and stability of a magnetic block secondary structure. Specimens The following list describes the specimens used in the present investigation. Designation Description A1 Silicon ferrite furnished to us by Dr. W. E. Ruder, of the General Electric Co., for which lie gave the following typical analysis: C, 0.05; P, 0.038; S, 0.026; Mn, 0.15; Si, 3.24. Disk, 0.60 cm. diameter, about 0.05 cm. thick. By X-ray analysis angles between disk normal and [100] 75o, [0101 76" [00l] 21o. A2 Same as A1 except: diameter 0.75 cm. A, Same as A1 except: diameter 0.68 cm.