Abstract :
New developments in thin-film magnetism are reviewed with an emphasis on the ultrathin regime. Relatively simple metallic systems in overlayer, sandwich, and superlattice configurations are covered. Sample fabrication, characterization, and magnetic measurement techniques are outlined, highlighting some of the more modern experimental innovations. Current issues and advances that demonstrate the symbiotic relationship between experiment and theory are examined, including surface magnetic anisotropy, two-dimensional critical behavior, the creation of metastable phases by epitaxy, and phenomena associated with coupled magnetic layers. A brief account is given of the impact of the various developments on applications
Keywords :
magnetic anisotropy; magnetic epitaxial layers; magnetic surface phenomena; magnetic thin films; magnetic transitions; metallic superlattices; reviews; characterization; coupled magnetic layers; epitaxy; magnetic measurement techniques; metallic systems; metastable phases; overlayer configuration; sample fabrication; sandwich configuration; superlattice configurations; surface magnetic anisotropy; thin-film magnetism; two-dimensional critical behavior; ultrathin regime; Fabrication; Magnetic anisotropy; Magnetic superlattices; Magnetic variables measurement; Metallic superlattices; Metastasis; Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy; Symbiosis; Technological innovation; Transistors;
