We present in this thesis a series of studies on the physical properties of some one dimensional systems. In particular we study the low energy properties of various spin chains and a junction of Luttinger wires. For spin chains we specifically look at the role of perturbations like frustrating interactions and dimerisation in a nearest neighbour chain and the formation of magnetisation plateaus in two kinds of models; one purely theoretical and the other motivated by experiments. In our second subject of interest we study using a renormalisation group analysis the effect of spin dependent scattering at a junction of Luttinger wires. We look at the physical effects caused by the interplay of electronic interactions in the wires and the scattering processes at the junction. The thesis begins with an introductory chapter which gives a brief glimpse of the ideas and techniques used in the specific problems that we have worked on. Our work on these problems is then described in detail in chapters 25. We now present a brief summary of each of those chapters. In the second chapter we look at the ground state phase diagram of the mixed-spin sawtooth chain, i.e a system where the spins along the baseline are allowed to be different from the spins on the vertices. The spins S1 along the baseline interact with a coupling strength J1(> 0). The coupling of the spins on the vertex (S2) to the baseline spins has a strength J2. We study the phase diagram as a function of J2/J1 [1]. The model exhibits a rich variety of phases which we study using spinwave theory, exact diagonalisation and a semi-numerical perturbation theory leading to an effective Hamiltonian. The spinwave theory predicts a transition from a spiral state to a ferrimagnetic state at J2S2/2J1S1 = 1 as J2/J1 is increased. The spectrum has two branches one of which is gapless and dispersionless (at the linear order) in the spiral phase. This arises because of the infinite degeneracy of classical ground states in that phase. Numerically, we study the system using exact diagonalisation of up to 12 unit cells and S1 = 1 and S2 =1/2. We look at the variation of ground state energy, gap to the lowest excitations, and the relevant spin correlation functions in the model. This unearths a richer phase diagram than the spinwave calculation. Apart from revealing a possibility of the presence of more than one kind of spiral phases, numerical results tell us about a very interesting phase for small J2. The spin correlation function (for the spin1/2s) in this region have a property that the nextnearest-neighbour correlations are much larger than the nearest neighbour correlations. We call this phase the NNNAFM (nextnearest neighbour antiferromagnet) phase and provide an understanding of this phase by deriving an effective Hamiltonian between the spin1/2s. We also show the existence of macroscopic magnetisation jumps in the model when one looks at the system close to saturation fields. The third chapter is concerned with the formation of magnetisation plateaus in two different spin models. We show how in one model the plateaus arise because of the competition between two coupling constants, and in the other because of purely geometrical effects. In the first problem we propose [2] a class of spin Hamiltonians which include as special cases several known systems. The class of models is defined on a bipartite lattice in arbitrary dimensions and for any spin. The simplest manifestation of such models in one dimension corresponds to a ladder system with diagonal couplings (which are of the same strength as the leg couplings). The physical properties of the model are determined by the combined effects of the competition between the ”rung” coupling (J’ )and the ”leg/diagonal” coupling (J ) and the magnetic field. We show that our model can be solved exactly in a substantial region of the parameter space (J’ > 2J ) and we demonstrate the existence of magnetisation plateaus in the solvable regime. Also, by making reasonable assumptions about the spectrum in the region where we cannot solve the model exactly, we prove the existence of first order phase transitions on a plateau where the sublattice magnetisations change abruptly. We numerically investigate the ladder system mentioned above (for spin1) to confirm all our analytical predictions and present a phase diagram in the J’/J - B plane, quite a few of whose features we expect to be generically valid for all higher spins. In the second problem concerning plateaus (also discussed in chapter 3) we study the properties of a compound synthesised experimentally [3]. The essential feature of the structure of this compound which gives rise to its physical properties is the presence of two kinds of spin1/2 objects alternating with each other on a helix. One kind has an axis of anisotropy at an inclination to the helical axis (which essentially makes it an Ising spin) whereas the other is an isotropic spin1/2 object. These two spin1/2 objects interact with each other but not with their own kind. Experimentally, it was observed that in a magnetic field this material exhibits magnetisation plateaus one of which is at 1/3rd of the saturation magnetisation value. These plateaus appear when the field is along the direction of the helical axis but disappear when the field is perpendicular to that axis. The model being used for the material prior to our work could not explain the existence of these plateaus. In our work we propose a simple modification in the model Hamiltonian which is able to qualitatively explain the presence of the plateaus. We show that the existence of the plateaus can be explained using a periodic variation of the angles of inclination of the easy axes of the anisotropic spins. The experimental temperature and the fields are much lower than the magnetic coupling strength. Because of this quite a lot of the properties of the system can be studied analytically using transfer matrix methods for an effective theory involving only the anisotropic spins. Apart from the plateaus we study using this modified model other physical quantities like the specific heat, susceptibility and the entropy. We demonstrate the existence of finite entropy per spin at low temperatures for some values of the magnetic field. In chapter 4 we investigate the longstanding problem of locating the gapless points of a dimerised spin chain as the strength of dimerisation is varied. It is known that generalising Haldane’s field theoretic analysis to dimerised spin chains correctly predicts the number of the gapless points but not the exact locations (which have determined numerically for a few low values of spins). We investigate the problem of locating those points using a dimerised spin chain Hamiltonian with a ”twisted” boundary condition [4]. For a periodic chain, this ”twist” consists simply of a local rotation about the zaxis which renders the xx and yy terms on one bond negative. Such a boundary condition has been used earlier for numerical work whereby one can find the gapless points by studying the crossing points of ground states of finite chains (with the above twist) in different parity sectors (parity sectors are defined by the reflection symmetry about the twisted bond). We study the twisted Hamiltonian using two analytical methods. The modified boundary condition reduces the degeneracy of classical ground states of the chain and we get only two N´eel states as classical ground states. We use this property to identify the gapless points as points where the tunneling amplitude between these two ground states goes to zero. While one of our calculations just reproduces the results of previous field theoretic treatments, our second analytical treatment gives a direct expression for the gapless points as roots of a polynomial equation in the dimerisation parameter. This approach is found to be more accurate. We compare the two methods with the numerical method mentioned above and present results for various spin values. In the final chapter we present a study of the physics of a junction of Luttinger wires (quantum wires) with both scalar and spin scattering at the junction ([5],[6]). Earlier studies have investigated special cases of this system. The systems studied were two wire junctions with either a fully transmitting scattering matrix or one corresponding to disconnected wires. We extend the study to a junction of N wires with an arbitrary scattering matrix and a spin impurity at the junction. We study the RG flows of the Kondo coupling of the impurity spin to the electrons treating the electronic interactions and the Kondo coupling perturbatively. We analyse the various fixed points for the specific case of three wires. We find a general tendency to flow towards strong coupling when all the matrix elements of the Kondo coupling are positive at small length scales. We analyse one of the strong coupling fixed points, namely that of the maximally transmitting scattering matrix, using a 1/J perturbation theory and we find at large length scales a fixed point of disconnected wires with a vanishing Kondo coupling. In this way we obtain a picture of the RG at both short and long length scales. Also, we analyse all the fixed points using lattice models to gain an understanding of the RG flows in terms of specific couplings on the lattice. Finally, we use to bosonisation to study one particular case of scattering (the disconnected wires) in the presence of strong interactions and find that sufficiently strong interactions can stabilise a multichannel fixed point which is unstable in the weak interaction limit.

Dans cette thèse nous avons évalué l'effet de la substitution partielle du cobalt par des éléments non-magnétiques de type p (M) sur les propriétés structurales et magnétiques des composés RCo5. Les échantillons ont été synthétisées par fusion dans un four à induction, puis caractérisés en utilisant des nombreuses techniques expérimentales: diffraction de rayons X et de neutrons, microscopie électronique à balayage, magnétométrie, susceptométrie en courant alternatif et spectroscopie photoélectronique par rayons X.Tous les composés de type RCo5-xMx (R= Pr, Sm, Tb, Er et Tm; M= Si, Ge, Al, Ga; x=0,5 et x=1) étudiés gardent la structure cristalline de type CaCu5 des composés de départ RCo5, mais les paramètres de la maille cristalline sont modifiés par la présence des éléments M. Le domaine de stabilité thermique des phases RCo5-xMx est notablement modifié par la présence d'élément métalloïde en substitution sur les sites du cobalt. Il peut être étendu pour Al et Ga et réduit pour Si et Ge. Les atomes de l'élément M sont localisés préférentiellement sur le site cristallographique Co 3g. La solubilité des éléments Ge et Si dans la structure RCo5 est trouvée être inférieure à celle des métalloïdes ayant un électron de moins tels que Al et Ga.La substitution M/Co a une influence importante sur les propriétés magnétiques des composés RCo5. La température d'ordre et l'aimantation spontanée diminuent significativement après le remplacement partiel du cobalt par l'élément métalloïde. Ces modifications sont induites par l'évolution des interactions d'échange en particulier Co-Co mais aussi par la réduction de l'aimantation du Co liée à sa sensibilité au voisinage atomique et magnétique local. La direction de facile aimantation à la température ambiante est préservée le long de l'axe cristallographique c pour tous les échantillons étudiés. Dans quelques composés RCo5-xMx (R = Sm, Er et Tm) la substitution de M au cobalt change le mécanisme de coercitivité par rapport aux composés de départ RCo5. Une coercitivité élevée a été détectée à basse température, surtout pour les composés SmCo4Al et SmCo4Ga, qui présentent aussi des champs d'anisotropie énormes, bien supérieurs à ceux de phase SmCo5.Les expériences XPS sur les composés de type RCo5-xMx ont détecté la réduction de la densité d'états électroniques au niveau de Fermi par rapport aux composés de type RCo5. La bande 3d du cobalt est remplie lors de la substitution M/Co et conduit à un moment magnétique du cobalt réduit. / In this work we have evaluated the effect of the partial substitution of cobalt with non-magnetic p-type elements (M) on the structural and magnetic properties of RCo5 compounds. The samples were prepared by alloying in an induction furnace and were characterized using various experimental techniques: X-ray and neutron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, magnetometry, AC susceptometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.All of the studied RCo5-xMx compounds (R=Pr, Sm, Tb, Er and Tm; M=Si, Ge, Al and Ga; x=0.5 and x=1) maintain the CaCu5 crystal structure of the RCo5 compounds, however the lattice parameters are modified due to the presence of M elements. The thermal stability range of the RCo5-xMx phases is modified significantly due to the Co site substitutions. The thermal stability increases for Al and Ga substitutions and decreases when M is Si or Ge. The M atoms were found to preferentially occupy the Co 3g site. The solubility of Ge and Si in the RCo5 structure is inferior to that of metalloid elements with one less electron, such as Al and Ga. The M/Co substitution has an important influence on the magnetic properties of RCo5 compounds. The ordering temperature and the spontaneous magnetization are significantly reduced after the partial substitution of cobalt by the metalloid elements. These changes are induced in particular by the evolutions of the Co-Co exchange interactions and also by the reduction of the Co magnetization due to the sensitivity of Co to the local atomic and magnetic vicinity. The easy magnetization direction at room temperature is preserved along the c-axis for all of the studied samples. In several RCo5-xMx (R = Sm, Er and Tm) compounds the substitution of Co with M atoms changes the coercivity mechanism compared to RCo5. A higher coercivity was found at low temperatures, especially for SmCo4Al and SmCo4Ga compounds, which also show huge values of the anisotropy field, well above the ones found in SmCo5.The XPS measurements on RCo5-xMx compounds show a reduction of the density of states at the Fermi level compared to the RCo5 compounds. There is a filling of the Co 3d band following the M/Co substitution, leading to a lower Co moment.

Cette thèse porte sur la manipulation du moment angulaire de la lumière à l'échelle sub-micronique. Le moment angulaire total de la lumière est composé d'une partie de spin, relié au degré de liberté de polarisation circulaire de la lumière, et d'une partie orbitale, relié au degré de libertés spatiaux de la lumière que sont sa direction de propagation (locale et globale) et sa distribution spatiale d'intensité. Le couplage spin-orbite existant entre ces deux contributions permet alors de manipuler les degrés de libertés spatiaux de la lumière par un simple contrôle de son état de polarisation circulaire. Dans cette thèse, nous avons étudié et exploité ce couplage à l'échelle sub-micronique dans deux nouveaux phénomènes que nous avons mis en évidence. Le premier met à profit ce couplage pour permettre d'exciter de manière unidirectionnelle des modes plasmoniques guidés. Une étude complète (numérique, expérimentale et analytique) de ce phénomène nouveau, basé sur un couplage entre le moment de spin du photon incident et le moment orbital extrinsèque des modes plasmoniques guidés dans la courbure d'un guide, est présentée. La deuxième étude présente une voie pour tirer parti du transfert de moment orbital de la lumière à un gaz d'électrons libres dans un métal afin de générer et contrôler le sens et la géométries de boucles de courants sub-microniques dans des structures métalliques. Ce contrôle permettrait la génération d'optomaimants nanométriques, entièrement contrôlés par la lumière, pouvant être modulés aux fréquences optiques. Ce travail a été soutenu par le LABEX Action. / This thesis focuses on the manipulation of the angular momentum of light at the nanoscale.The total angular momentum of light is composed of a spin component, connected to the polarization degree of freedom of light, and an orbital component, related to the spatial degrees of freedom of the light which are its propagation direction (local and global) and its intensity distribution. The spin-orbit coupling between these two contributions allows the control of the spatial degrees of freedom of light by a simple manipulation of its circular polarization state. In this thesis, we have studied and applied this coupling at the nanoscale anbd we have highlighted two new phenomenas. The first one takes part of this coupling to allows unidirectional excitation of plasmonic guided modes. A complete study (numerical, experimental and analytical) of this new phenomenon, based on a coupling between the spin of the incident photon and the extrinsic orbital momentum of the plasmonic guided modes within the curvature of a waveguide, is presented. The second study propose a way to benefit from the transfer of the angular momentum of light to the free electrons gas in a metal to generate and control the direction and the geometry of nanoscale current loops in metallic structures. this control would at optical frequencies. This work was supported by the LABEX Action.

Random number generation can be based on physical events with probabilistic character, or on algorithms that use complex or one-way functions, alternatively on both of these approaches. A magnetic vortex is a basic state of magnetization that forms in magnetic micro- and nanostructures of an appropriate shape, dimensions and material. Quantities of the magnetic vortex form randomly if ambient conditions are chosen eligibly. A concept of a true random number generator using a random switching of states of the magnetic vortex is presented in this thesis. This concept is realized and random numbers were experimentally generated and numbers were statistically analysed.

This thesis describes a portfolio of work aimed at the high field applications of superconductors and can be split into four main topics: The thermal stability of technical superconductors. This section investigates the effects of thermal perturbations on technical superconducting wire used in MRI scanner construction. The ultimate aim of this section is to predict how the architecture of the wire may affect its thermal stability. To this end a detailed finite element analysis model was constructed, verified by detailed experimental data, which could then be used to quickly and easily vary the wire’s parameters. Design of a high field pulsed electromagnetic coil for flux trapping in superconductors. This section details the design, construction and testing of a novel pulsed high field magnet. The design uses finite element analysis to predict the electromagnetic, thermal and structural properties of the coil. Explosive testing of high tensile fibres used in the construction of the high field coil. This section describes the refinement and use of a novel method for testing the mechanical properties of high tensile fibres in cylindrical geometries by using highly pressurized copper vessels. Pulsed field magnetization of bulk high temperature superconductors. This section discusses the process of magnetizing bulks of high temperature superconductors by using pulsed magnetic fields. It investigates how the trapped field varies with the magnitude and rise-time of the magnetizing field, sample temperature and time after magnetization.

<p>Materials with new or improved properties are crucial for technological development. To provide the foundation for future successful products, it is important to prepare and characterise new chemical compounds that could show unusual properties. The properties of magnetic materials are closely related to their crystal, magnetic and electronic structures. This thesis focuses on the novel synthesis and structural characterisation of a number of new ternary or <i>pseudo</i>-ternary silicides and germanides of manganese with iridium, cobalt or palladium. To provide a more complete picture of the complex magnetic properties, crystal and magnetic structure refinements by the Rietveld method of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data are complemented by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, magnetisation measurements and Reverse Monte Carlo simulations of magnetic short-range order. The experimental results are corroborated by first-principles electronic structure and total energy calculations. </p><p>A commensurate non-collinear antiferromagnetic structure is found for most compounds of the solid solution Mn₃Ir_1-yCo_ySi_1-xGe_x. The non-collinearity is a result of geometric frustration in a crystal structure with magnetic Mn atoms located on a three-dimensional network of triangles. The close structural similarity to the β-modification of elemental manganese, which does not order magnetically, inspired a closer theoretical comparison of the Mn₃Ir_1-yCo_ySi_1-xGe_x propertieswith β-Mn.</p><p>Magnetic frustration is also observed for Mn₄Ir_7-xMn_xGe₆, and is an important factor underlying the dramatic change from commensurate antiferromagnetic order to spin glass properties induced by a small variation in Mn concentration. Magnetic short-range order with dominant antiferromagnetic correlation is observed for Mn₈Pd₁₅Si₇, and results from a random distribution of Mn atoms in-between the geometrically frustrated magnetic moments on the Mn octahedra. </p><p>An incommensurate cycloidal magnetic structure, observed for IrMnSi, is stabilised by an electronic structure effect, which also accounts for the non-collinearity of the Mn₃IrSi type magnetic structure.</p>

Materials with new or improved properties are crucial for technological development. To provide the foundation for future successful products, it is important to prepare and characterise new chemical compounds that could show unusual properties. The properties of magnetic materials are closely related to their crystal, magnetic and electronic structures. This thesis focuses on the novel synthesis and structural characterisation of a number of new ternary or pseudo-ternary silicides and germanides of manganese with iridium, cobalt or palladium. To provide a more complete picture of the complex magnetic properties, crystal and magnetic structure refinements by the Rietveld method of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data are complemented by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, magnetisation measurements and Reverse Monte Carlo simulations of magnetic short-range order. The experimental results are corroborated by first-principles electronic structure and total energy calculations. A commensurate non-collinear antiferromagnetic structure is found for most compounds of the solid solution Mn3Ir1-yCoySi1-xGex. The non-collinearity is a result of geometric frustration in a crystal structure with magnetic Mn atoms located on a three-dimensional network of triangles. The close structural similarity to the β-modification of elemental manganese, which does not order magnetically, inspired a closer theoretical comparison of the Mn3Ir1-yCoySi1-xGex propertieswith β-Mn. Magnetic frustration is also observed for Mn4Ir7-xMnxGe6, and is an important factor underlying the dramatic change from commensurate antiferromagnetic order to spin glass properties induced by a small variation in Mn concentration. Magnetic short-range order with dominant antiferromagnetic correlation is observed for Mn8Pd15Si7, and results from a random distribution of Mn atoms in-between the geometrically frustrated magnetic moments on the Mn octahedra. An incommensurate cycloidal magnetic structure, observed for IrMnSi, is stabilised by an electronic structure effect, which also accounts for the non-collinearity of the Mn3IrSi type magnetic structure.

No description available.

Hoch manganhaltige Eisenbasislegierungen sind bei Raumtemperatur austenitisch und antiferromagnetisch (afm). Dabei besteht die Besonderheit, dass sich durch Legierung die afm Übergangstemperatur (Néeltemperatur) so einstellen lässt, dass sie nahe Raumtemperatur liegt. FeMn-Basislegierungen zeigen in Abhängigkeit von der Zusammensetzung Transformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) und/oder Twinning Induced Plasticity (TWIP), d.h. die niedrige Stapelfehlerenergie dieser Legierungen führt zu verformungsinduzierter, metastabiler Phasenbildung (TRIP) bzw. zur Bildung von Verformungszwillingen (TWIP) und dadurch zu außerordentlich hoher Duktilität bei gleichzeitig hoher Verfestigung. Darüber hinaus haben FeMn-Basislegierungen einen ausgeprägten Magnetovolumeneffekt und magnetoelastischen Effekt durch magnetische Ordnung. Daher sind die untersuchten FeMnNiCr-Basislegierungen auch prototypisch für afm Élinvarlegierungen. Da Élinvar jedoch für invariable Elastizität steht, bedingt eine Anwendung als temperaturkompensierte Konstantmodullegierungen die Glättung der ausgeprägten magnetischen Anomalien, die industriell noch in keiner Anwendung realisiert wurde. Der Vorteil dies für eine Anwendung zu erreichen, läge in der Unempfindlichkeit feinmechanischer Bauelemente, gegenüber magnetischen Feldern, die bei den industriell verfügbaren ferromagnetischen Élinvarlegierungen nicht gewährleistet ist. Mit Bezug zu feinmechanischen Schwingsystemen spielen dabei neben der Einstellung der magnetoelastischen Eigenschaften die Prozessierbarkeit, Kaltumformbarkeit und Festigkeit sowie deren wechselseitige Beeinflussung eine große Rolle. Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich daher mit der Anwendbarkeit der untersuchten FeMnNiCr-Legierungen. Dabei wurden grundlegende Untersuchungen zur Plastizität durchgeführt, die die mechanische Zwillingsbildung in diesen Legierungen charakterisiert und ein Modell der mechanischen Zwillingsbildung bei kleinen plastischen Dehnungen vorschlägt, das eine Abschätzung der Stapelfehlerenergie erlaubt. Die Untersuchung des Antiferromagnetismus umgeformter Proben zeigt das Auftreten thermoremanenter Magnetisierung (TRM), deren Größe mit dem Umformgrad der untersuchten Proben skaliert. Sie wird den durch Umformdefekte erzeugten unkompensierten Momenten in der afm Spinstruktur zugeschrieben. Diese werden durch eine magnetische Feldkühlung magnetisiert und koppeln durch Austauschwechselwirkung an die umgebende antiferromagnetische Matrix unterhalb der Néeltemperatur. Das komplexe thermomagnetische Verhalten der unkompensierten Momente wird experimentell beschrieben und phänomenologisch gedeutet. Die Weiterentwicklung und Bewertung technischer, ausscheidbarer FeMnNiCrBe- und FeMnNiCr(Ti, Al)-Legierungen wird mit Bezug zu den grundlegenden Untersuchungen dargestellt. Es wird gezeigt, dass die neu entwickelten ausscheidbaren FeMnNiCr(Ti, Al)-Legierungen eine vielversprechende Ausgangsbasis darstellen, afm Élinvarlegierungen technisch umzusetzen. / High manganese iron-base alloys are austenitic and antiferromagnetic (afm) at room temperature. By further alloying it is possible to tune the afm transition temperature (Néel temperature) near room temperature. FeMn-base alloys show extraordinary strain hardening as well as ductility because of Transformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) and/or Twinning Induced Plasticty (TWIP), i.e. in dependence on composition the generally low stacking fault energy in these alloys allows for the mechanically induced formation of metastable phases (TRIP) or deformation twinning (TWIP). Furthermore, magnetic order causes distinct magnetovolume and magnetoelastic effects in these afm FeMn-base alloys. The investigated FeMnNiCr-base alloys are therefore prototypic for afm Élinvar alloys. However, as Élinvar is meant for invariant elasticity, an application as temperature compensated alloy with constant elastic modulus requires the smoothing of the pronounced magnetic anomalies, that is not industrially available yet. The advantage of afm Élinvar alloys in precision mechanics applications, would be their impassiveness with respect to magnetic fields that is not achievable by their ferromagnetic counterparts. For precision components like mechanic oscillators not only the tuning of the magnetoelastic properties but also the processing, cold formability and mechanical properties as well as their interplay have strong influence. Therefore this work addresses the applicability of the studied FeMnNiCr alloys. Elementary investigations on plasticity characterise the occurrence of TWIP in these alloys and propose a modell for deformation twinning at low plastic strains that allows for an estimation of the stacking fault energy. The investigations on the antiferromagnetism of deformed samples show the appearance of thermoremanent magnetisation (TRM). Its magnitude scales with the degree of deformation. The TRM is therefore attributed to uncompensated moments in the afm spin structure due to deformation induced defects. These are magnetised by a magnetic field cooling and couple to the afm matrix by exchange interaction below the Néel temperature. The complex thermomagnetic behaviour of the uncompensated moments is experimentally described and phenomenologically explained. The further development and assessment of engineering-grade pecipitable FeMnNiCrBe and FeMnNiCr(Ti, Al) alloys is presented in relation to the aforementioned elementary investigations. It is shown that the newly developped precipitable FeMnNiCr(Ti, Al) alloys are good candidates for afm Élinvar alloys in application.

This work has been devoted to the study of phase transformations involving chemical ordering and magnetic properties evolution in bulk Fe-Pt alloys composed of nanometer-sized grains. A comprehensive study of phase transformations and ordering in Fe-Pt alloys is performed by a combination of in-situ neutron powder diffraction and thermal analysis. The dependence of ordering processes on the alloy composition and initial microstructure (homogeneous A1 phase or multilayer-type) is established. Through the use of mechanical alloying and subsequent heat treatment it has been possible to achieve the formation of chemically highly ordered L10 FePt and, in the case of the Fe-rich and Pt-rich compositions, L12 Fe3Pt and FePt3 phases, respectively. Whereas in Pt-rich alloys the decoupling effect of the FePt3 phase leads to coercivity improvement, in Fe-rich nanocomposites a peculiar nanometer scale multilayer structure gives rise to remanence enhancement due to large effects of exchange interactions between the crystallites of the phases. The structure, magnetic properties and magnetisation reversal processes of these alloys are investigated. Experimentally observed phenomena are understood on the basis of a simple two-particle interaction model. Neutron diffraction has also been used for the investigation of the magnetic structure of ordered and partially ordered nanocrystalline Fe-Pt alloys. It has been shown that the magnetic moment of Fe atoms in L10-type Fe Pt alloys is sensitive to the compositional order. The results are compared to density functional calculations.