Magnetic order and spin direction reorientation transitions in thin magnetic films

Fe/Ag, Fe/Cu, Fe/Cu3Au, Fe/Au and Co/Au thin magnetic films exhibit properties that are different than the corresponding bulk magnetic material properties. In particular there is: a magnetic moment that is perpendicular to the film plane for low temperatures and low film. thickness; and a spin reorientation transition, dependent upon film thickness and temperature, that leads to an in plane magnetic moment for higher temperatures and greater film thickness. This project's goal was to develop a computer simulation that was able to model and predict these properties. In the computer simulation, deposition diffusion aggregation was utilized to fabricate the thin films. Monte Carlo computations were then utilized as a means to ascertain the model films' spin reorientation transition behavior.