Abstract
This chapter describes what is currently known about magnetism in mesoscopic structures. The term "mesoscopic" is used here to emphasize that the material dimensions are comparable to fundamental length scales associated with the magnetic properties. The length scales are determined by such things as mean paths of conduction electrons, exchange lengths, and even domain wall widths. Consequently, a single magnetic excitation can be affected simultaneously by several boundaries. The underlying physics of magnetic materials is reviewed, with an emphasis on aspects of particular interest for current mesoscopic materials. Particular attention is given to metallic systems, anisotropy formation in thin films, and exchange interactions across interfaces between very dissimilar magnetic materials. Magnetization processes are discussed with focus on domain evolution and wall formation in patterned stripe and dot magnetic structures. A new and powerful tool for microscopy: magnetic force microscopy is also explored. Dynamic excitations are discussed with an emphasis on ferromagnetic resonance and Brillouin light scattering experiments.
Published Version
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