Magnetism of Surfaces, Interfaces, and Nanoscale Materials

In the past 30 years, magnetic research has been dominated by the question of how surfaces and interfaces influence the magnetic and transport properties of nanostructures, thin films and multilayers. The research has been particularly important in the magnetic recording industry where the giant magnetoresistance effect led to a new generation of storage devices including hand-held memories such as those found in the ipod. More recently, transfer of spin angular momentum across interfaces has opened a new field for high frequency applications. This book gives a comprehensive view of research at the forefront of these fields. The frontier is expanding through dynamic exchange between theory and experiment. Contributions have been chosen to reflect this, giving the reader a unified overview of the topic. * Addresses both theory and experiment, vital for gaining an essential understanding of the material since many topics lie at the interface between magnetic and materials science * Chapters written by experts, providing great insight into complex material not available in the original concise express publications * Combination of up-to-date results with basic fundamental background material, providing an indispensable guide for students and professionals at all levels of expertise, particular important in view of the interdisciplinary aspects of the field: chemistry, nanocharacterisation and materials physics * Combination of basic material with applications, widening the scope of the book and reader base