Thickness dependence of the magnetization and the Curie temperature of ferromagnetic thin films

• Published in: Surface science Vol. 269-270; pp. 627 - 631
• Main Authors: Jensen, P.J., Dreyssé, H., Bennemann, K.H.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 15.05.1992; Amsterdam Elsevier Science; New York, NY
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Exact sciences and technology; Magnetic properties and materials; Magnetic properties of surface, thin films and multilayers; Metals. Metallurgy; Physics
• ISSN: 0039-6028; 1879-2758
• DOI: 10.1016/0039-6028(92)91322-3

The magnetic properties of thin ferromagnetic films are studied using a mean-field model. The thickness dependent film Curie temperature Tc(d) is calculated for different surface magnetic moments μs as well as for different lattice types and -faces. For an enhanced μs the bulk Curie temperature Tc(∞) can be reached within a few layers or may even be exceeded. The layer dependent magnetization curves mi(T) are calculated for a few systems, assuming Ising as well as Heisenberg type spins. Thermal fluctuations are partly taken into account by an improved mean field theory. The main features of our results seem to be presented in the presence of fluctuations.