Finite size scaling in the thin film limit

The thickness dependent spin-polarized electronic structure of strained thi n and ultrathin films of Gd is characterized by a distinct change in the cr itical exponent lambda in the formalism of finite size scaling. The reduced critical exponent in the ultrathin films can be correlated to the increase d dominance of the surface magnetic structure and the increasing paramagnet ic-like behavior of the bulk. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics. [S002 1-8979(98)34111-0].