Surface Anisotropy in Multi-Layer Magnetic Films

Magnetic superlattices have been a very useful tool for studying a number of magnetic interactions. Of primary interest have been the investigation of 2-dimensional effects, interaction between magnetic layers thru non-magnetic ones, and interfacial effects. After briefly reviewing the physics of multi-layers we will concentrate this talk on the experimental observations which suggest the presence of a surface anisotropy. Finally we will analyze the behavior of the magnetization vector as a function of distance from the surface in the presence of an interface anisotropy.