ABSTRACT
Ultrathin magnetic ¢lms have been studied and used in lowdimensional systems and materials employed in spintronics. In these systems, the interfaces play a crucial role. že magnetic properties of interface atoms are di¥erent from those in the bulk. First-principle calculations indicate that the bulk properties are almost fully acquired just a few atomic layer from the interface. Ultrathin ¢lms behave like giant magnetic molecules having their magnetic properties given by an admixture of the interface and bulk properties. že ability to admix the interface and bulk magnetic properties and combine the magnetic ¢lms together by nonmagnetic interlayers allows one to engineer unique magnetic materials. In the following three sections, the emphases will be put on the basic magnetic properties: magnetic anisotropy, interlayer exchange coupling, and exchange bias (EB) coupling. Each section starts with a general theoretical introduction, followed by most common experimental techniques, and a brief summary of important experimental studies, which played a crucial role in the development of magnetic nanostructures. I apologize to those who feel that their work and contributions were either insu«ciently covered or perhaps even omitted. žis is certainly not intentional. že goal of these sections is not to provide a comprehensive account of this ¢eld. že page limitation allows one to provide only basic ideas that are needed for specialists and graduate students entering the ¢eld of magnetic nanostructures and spintronics applications.
