Large orbital-moment contribution to 5f band magnetism

It is calculated that spin-orbit coupling induces a predominant orbital magnetic moment (-1.5μB) antiparallel to the spin moment (1.0μB) in the spin-polarized energy bands of UN. The shape of the magnetic form factor, pressure dependence of the moment, and presence of large magnetic anisotropy then become compatible with itinerant-electron theory. © 1983 The American Physical Society.