The true cause of magnetostriction

TL;DR

This paper reveals that magnetostriction in Fe is caused by the rearrangement of the crystal structure, specifically the tetragonal distortion, rather than deformation of the crystal unit cell, challenging previous assumptions.

Contribution

It provides a new explanation for magnetostriction based on crystal structure rearrangement and tetragonal distortion in Fe, differing from traditional deformation theories.

Findings

Magnetostriction results from tetragonal axis realignment.

Magnetization involves spin and crystal structure rearrangement.

The tetragonal structure of {e} is crucial to understanding magnetostriction.

Abstract

The cause of magnetostriction is revealed by analyzing this phenomenon in a polydomain crystal of Fe. It is based on the two fundamentals: (a) magnetization is a rearrangement of spins by rearrangement of the crystal structure, and (b) the {\alpha}-Fe has a tetragonal rather than cubic structure. The magnetostriction results from bringing the shorter tetragonal axis to coincide with, or closer to the direction of the applied magnetic field. It is not rooted in the alleged deformation of crystal unit cell.