Magnetization reversal in thin films and small particles

The present continuous increase in calculation capability of computers allows more and more complex problems in micromagnetism to be described with constantly improved reliability. In this article the main types of micromagnetic calculations which were recently developed by different authors are briefly presented. The particular choices of the present authors are justified. These are: - the use of a finite difference method coupled with FFT techniques for the calculation of demagnetizing fields - the energy minimization by solving the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation instead of using classical mathematical method. The comparison of calculations with experimental results is easier for physical systems with reduced dimensionality because magnetization reversal is less dependent on extrinsic phenomena than in bulk materials. Two model systems are specifically chosen e.g. sandwich trilayers and patterned magnetic particles. (orig.)