Experimental Studies of Surface and Interface Magnetism

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9500213 Hopster This research project is an investigation of the magnetism of surfaces, ultrathin films, and interfaces. The focus is on metallic systems, including transition metals and rare earth metals. The magnetic order and the surface atomic moments of transition metals of the 3d, 4d, and 5d series will be studied by spin-polarized electron energy loss spectroscopy. The magnetic domain structure of gadolinium films below and above the bulk Curie temperature will be investigated by spin polarized secondary electron emission microscopy. Magnetic ordering phenomena in antiferromagnetic films will be studied by preparing multilayered materials which include thin ferromagnetic layers between the antiferromagnetic layers. The research is focused on fundamental magnetism issues, but the results will also be of much broader interest, particularly in the context of information storage technology. %%% This research project investigates ultrathin multilayers of magnetic metals. The magnetic behavior of the multilayers depends on the thickness and composition of the various layers--in ways that are incompletely understood. The experimental approach involves study of the interaction of magnetic electrons with the thin films. The scattering of the magnetic electrons by the materials can be analyzed to deduce important information about the magnetic state of the films. The materials are of fundamental interest, and have great technological relevance in the context of information storage technology based on hard drives, and related devices. ***