Nanoscale Multilayers Research Articles

Interfacial magnetic anisotropy in nanoscale magnetic multilayers

Experimental and theoretical research on magnetic anisotropy of nanoscale multilayers is reviewed. The importance of interfaces and the occurrence of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is emphasized. Transition metal multilayers with non-magnetic and rare earth metals are discussed, and similarities in properties are pointed out. A detailed model of perpendicular anisotropy due to single-ion interactions is outlined.

Interfacial displacements in multilayers with similar lattices

A model is proposed to study atomic displacements at interfaces of multilayer structures. The theory takes into account the discrete nature of the lattice, the characteristics of the phonon spectrum (Born-von Karman Matrix), the profile of the multilayer structure, and the ability of a solute atom to distort the host lattice (Kanzaki forces). Application of the model on Au-Ni nanoscale multilayers shows large inhomogeneous displacements near the interfaces and the existence of interface interference relaxation phenomena.