Magneto-optics goes nonlinear

Low-Dimensional magnetic structures such as surfaces, thin films and multi-layers exhibit a rich variety of properties not previously observed in bulk magnetism. Examples include enhanced or reduced magnetic moments, giant magnetoresistance, spin-polarized quantum well states, and the formation of small magnetic domains that have their magnetization perpendicular to the surface. Such structures have many potential applications – for example, the last effect could be exploited in high-density magnetic- recording devices.