This book presents the special properties of low-dimensional magnetic systems i.e., film, multilayers, fine particles, nanostructured materials, and reflecting the recent researches. It is divided into four parts: (i) contains a phenomenological description of the fundamentals of magnetism; (ii) covers preparation and properties of films and multilayers, with special emphasis on Giant Magnetoresistance; (iii) focuses on fine particles and nanostructured systems; and (iv) dedicated to innovative magnetic materials for the next generation.

An essential textbook for graduate courses on magnetism and an important source of practical reference data.

An understanding of the quantum mechanical nature of magnetism has led to the development of new magnetic materials which are used as permanent magnets, sensors, and information storage. Behind these practical applications lie a range of fundamental ideas, including symmetry breaking, order parameters, excitations, frustration, and reduced dimensionality. This superb new textbook presents a logical account of these ideas, staring from basic concepts in electromagnetsim and quantum mechanics. It outlines the origin of magnetic moments in atoms and how these moments can be affected by their local environment inside a crystal. The different types of interactions which can be present between magnetic moments are described. The final chapters of the book are devoted to the magnetic properties of metals, and to the complex behaviour which can occur when competing magnetic interactions are present and/or the system has a reduced dimensionality. Throughout the text, the theorectical principles are applied to real systems. There is substantial discussion of experimental techniques and current reserach topics. The book is copiously illustrated and contains detailed appendices which cover the fundamental principles.

The aim of this volume is to advance the understanding of the fundamental properties of fine magnetic particles and to discuss the latest developments from both the theoretical and experimental viewpoints, with special emphasis being placed on the applications in different branches of science and technology. All aspects of fine magnetic particles are covered in the 46 papers. The topics are remarkably interdisciplinary covering theory, materials preparation, structural characterization, optical and electrical properties, magnetic properties studied by different techniques and applications. Some new fundamental properties, such as quantum tunneling and transverse fluctuations of magnetic moments are also explored. Research workers involved in these aspects of materials technology will find this book of great interest.