Magnetic Heterostructures

Heterostructures consist of combinations of different materials, which are in contact through at least one interface. Magnetic heterostructures combine different physical properties which do not exist in nature. This book provides the first comprehensive overview of an exciting and fast developing field of research, which has already resulted in numerous applications and is the basis for future spintronic devices.Magnetic heterostructures constitute an important field in magnetism and nanotechnology, which has developed over the past fifteen years due to important advances in epitaxial- growth techniques and lithographic processes. Magnetic heterostructures combine different physical properties which do not exist in nature. Examples are semiconductors/ferromagnets, superconductors/ferromagnets, and ferromagnets/antiferromagnets. These combinations display rich and novel physical properties different from those that exit in any single one of them. Interlayer exchange coupling, exchange bias, proximity effects, giant magneto-resistance, tunneling magneto-resistance, spininjection and spintransport are examples of new physical phenomena that rely on the combination of different materials layers. Since the literature on magnetic heterostructures is widely spread and highly specialized, the situation calls for a book that provides an overview of the basics and the state of the art of magnetic heterostructures. These contributions by renowned experts and leading scientists in the field provide an introduction for the young researcher, as well as an expert overview on the present status and future challenges.