Abstract

Spin polarized neutron reflectivity is described for the investigation of magnetic structures in thin films and superlattices. Unlike other magnetic measurement techniques which provide sample average information, spin polarized neutron scattering supplies profiles for the nuclear and magnetic density distribution in the sample and is thus sensitive to specific modulation periods characteristic for ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, helical structures, etc. A brief description of the scattering theory and experimental techniques along with discussions of recent measurements from magnetic superlattices is provided.