We present a theoretical study of the magnetic properties at finite tempera
ture of the ideal (1 0 0) surface of iron. The spin-polarized electronic st
ructure at a given temperature is determined with a self-consistent d-band
model Hamiltonian in which correlation effects are included in a temperatur
e-dependent splitting parameter. The demagnetization process is analyzed an
d compared with previous results and experimental trends, which will serve
us as a test. The applicability of the model to the study of other complex
systems like supported clusters or surfaces with defects is discussed. (C)
2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.