Spin Ordering and Magnetization Processes in Nanostructures: from Ultrathin Films to Multilayers

A review of different methods of modifications of spin ordering in ultrathin ferromagnetic metallic both single layer and multilayer systems will be given. The following nanostructure modifications methods will be discussed: (i) changes of chemical composition and structure of both buffer and cover layers, (ii) lateral geometry of sample and thicknesses of multilayer components, and (iii) post growth treatments by either ion or light irradiation. The results of combined theoretical (analytical description and micromagnetic simulations) and experimental studies of equilibrium and metastable magnetization states and magnetization processes in such systems will be reported. General ways for engineering of magnetization distributions with an out-of-plane magnetization component will be presented. Possibilities of giant changes of periods of domain-like magnetization distributions (of a few orders of magnitude) in such systems will be demonstrated. Such knowledge is important for both general physics understanding and numerous applications.