ULTRATHIN FILMS - MAGNETISM ON THE MICROSCOPIC SCALE

The basic concepts associated with two-dimensional ferromagnetism are illustrated from an experimentalist's viewpoint. Ultrathin epitaxial f ilms are the prototype systems for investigating magnetism in reduced dimensions, and spin-polarized scanning electron microscopy is a power ful technique for such experiments. The topics covered include a discu ssion on the formation of magnetic domains in these films, the microsc opic investigation of spin fluctuations, and the key role that anisotr opies play in these systems.