1 Basis of Nanomagnetism . 5 1.1 Introduction: The Importance of Nanomagnetism . 5 1.2 The Origin of Nanomagnetic Behavior . 7 1.2.1 Sample Dimensions and Characteristic Lengths .

8 1.2.2 Broken Translation Symmetry . 9 1.2.3 Nanoscopic Samples and Magnetization Reversal . 20 1.3 Dimensionality and Critical Behavior .

20 References . 23 2 Magnetic Domains . 25 2.1 Introduction . 25 2.2 Interactions in Magnetic Materials . 31 2.2.

1 Exchange Interaction . 32 2.2.2 Magnetostatic Energy . 34 2.2.3 Magnetic Anisotropy . 36 2.

2.4 Magnetoelastic Energy and Magnetostriction . 37 2.3 Elements of Micromagnetism . 38 2.3.1 Equation of Motion . 44 2.

4 Magnetic Domains . 45 2.4.1 Domain Wall Width . 46 2.4.2 Domain Wall Motion . 53 2.

5 Random Anisotropy . 57 References . 58 3 Magnetism of Small Particles . 61 3.1 Introduction . 61 3.2 Particle Size and Magnetic Behavior . 65 3.

3 Superparamagnetism . 70 3.3.1 Superparamagnetism: The Langevin Function . 78 3.4 Surface Effects . 78 3.5 The Stoner-Wohlfarth Model .

81 3.5.1 Inhomogeneous Magnetization Reversal . 91 3.5.2 Precessional Magnetization Reversal . 94 3.5.

3 Current-Induced Magnetization Reversal . 97 3.6 Interaction Between Particles . 98 References . 104 4 Magnetism of Thin Films and Multilayers . 109 4.1 Introduction . 109 4.

1.1 Thin Films: Planar Systems . 110 4.1.2 Thin Films: Laterally Structured Systems . 112 4.2 Anisotropy in Thin Films . 115 4.

3 Domain Walls and Magnetization Reversal in Thin Films . 116 4.4 Exchange Bias . 119 4.5 Interlayer Exchange Coupling . 124 References . 128 5 Introduction to Magnetotransport . 131 5.

1 Introduction . 131 5.2 Spin Dependent Scattering and Giant Magnetoresistance . 138 5.2.1 Valet-Fert Model for GMR . 144 5.3 Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) .

145 References . 150 6 Magnetism of Nanodisks, Nanorings and Nanowires . 153 6.1 Introduction . 153 6.2 Nanodisks . 153 6.3 Nanorings .

160 6.4 Nanowires . 163 References . 172 7 Magnetic Recording . 177 7.1 Introduction . 177 7.2 Principles of Magnetic Recording .

178 7.3 Novel Magnetic Recording Systems . 182 7.3.1 Nanodisk and Nanoring Memories . 183 7.3.2 Domain Wall Memories .

185 References . 187 A Units in Magnetism . 189 B Physical Constants . 193 Authors . 195 Materials . 199 Symbols . 201 References . 204 Index .