Ferrimagnetism (source code)

= Ferrimagnetism
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= Ferrimagnet
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<Ferrimagnetism> has opposing, generally unequal ordered <magnetic sublattices>, with net <magnetization> $|M_A-M_B|$ in a collinear model. <Louis Néel> used it to explain magnetic oxides.<Magnetism and the local molecular field by Louis Néel>[§8, pp.328–330: unequal sublattice contributions]{ref}

The counting example in <magnetic sublattice> gives $3(2m_0)-3(m_0)=3m_0$. Unequal populations also suffice: four sites carrying $+m_0$ and two carrying $-m_0$ give $2m_0$, even with identical individual magnitudes. Thus one must compare total sublattice contributions per common <volume>, rather than merely asking whether two atomic species carry different <magnetic moments>.

Both <ferromagnetism> and <ferrimagnetism> can produce a macroscopic magnet. Their internal organization differs: the latter retains opposing contributions. This makes <ferrimagnetism> a useful bridge between net <magnetization> and microscopic <magnetic order>: reducing one opposing contribution can increase the net sum, even though the total sum of moment magnitudes decreases.