Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
Experimental and theoretical research into the magnetic and magnetooptic properties of rare earth-transition metal (RE/TM) multilayers Is reviewed. The occurrence of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is understood in terms of a detailed model based on single-ion anisotropy. Magneto- optic properties of RE/TM multilayers are, in general, similar in magnitude to those of the TM. Plasma-enhancement and related effects in magnetic/metallic bilayers are observed and discussed in detail.