Invited Paper AC+MI+SA+TF-MoM3
5f Electron Localization
Monday, October 28, 2013, 9:00 am, Room 102 C
The light actinide elements show a large number of crystal structures and low-melting points. At the element americium, this 5f-electron series finally settles down and looks like the rare-earth series. This occurs because the 5f electrons have ceased to form energy bands and have localized. The superconductivity of americium proved this. I will review how the tug of war between itinerant and localized behavior leads to all of the interesting properties and touch on such things as quantum critical points. This has impact on the understanding of the other long rows in the periodic table.