Multiple reorientation transition of the magnetization of free surfaces of Fe on Ag(100)

Abstract

The magnetic properties of $\mathrm{Ag}(100){/\mathrm{F}\mathrm{e}}_{n},$ $n<~16,$ are investigated using the fully relativistic spin-polarized screened Korringa-Kohn-Rostocker method. It is found that (a) ferromagnetic interlayer coupling is the most stable magnetic configuration of free surfaces of Fe on Ag(100) and (b) that in the vicinity of $n=5$ a multiple reorientation transition of the magnetization occurs. The results obtained are in excellent agreement with available experimental data and give an interesting explanation for the occurrence of temperature-dependent effects seen experimentally.