Magnetocaloric effect in nanoscale thin films and heterostructures

Abstract

This review focuses on the magnetocaloric effect with special attention to nanoscale thin films and heterostructures. The authors outline the general phenomenon of the magnetocaloric effect and discuss how using materials in reduced dimensions can impact this emerging area. The authors note works of significance to date and highlight general features emanating from the community. They provide important details related to sample fabrication, relevant metrology, and discuss advanced data analyses, all of which are done in a tutorial fashion. Finally, the authors provide an outlook for the application of nanoscience to magnetocalorics.