Research frontiers in magnetic materials at soft X-ray synchrotron radiation facilities

Current and anticipated future research frontiers in magnetism and magnetic materials are discussed from a perspective of soft X-ray synchrotron utili zation. Topics covered include dimensionality (including effects of spatial dimensions and differing time scales), magneto-electronics, structure/prop erty relationships, and exploratory materials, with an emphasis on challeng es that limit the understanding and advancement of these areas. Many soft X -ray spectroscopies can be used to study magnetism associated with transiti on and rare earth metals with element- and chemical-state specificity and l arge cross-sections associated with dipole transitions from p --> d and d - -> f states. Established electron spectroscopies, including spin-resolved t echniques, yield near-surface sensitivity in conjunction with linear and ci rcular magnetic dichroism. Emerging photon-based scattering and Faraday and Kerr magneto-optical measurements can be used beyond the near-surface regi on and in applied magnetic fields. Microscopies based on either electron or photon spectroscopies to image the magnetization at 50 nm resolution are a lso emerging, as are time-resolved measurements that utilize the natural ti me structure of synchrotron sources. Examples of research using these techn iques to impact our fundamental understanding of magnetism and magnetic mat erials are given, as are future opportunities. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B. V. All rights reserved.