Local spin-density theory and effective ligand interaction model of interface magnetocrystalline anisotropy

Recent progress in the understanding of the interface (surface) magnetocrystalline anisotropy is reviewed, including the spin-density functional calculation of iron and cobalt layers in the overlayer and sandwich structure formed with nonmagnetic Cu and Pd interfaces. General expression for the effective ligand interaction model is given, which gives elegant explanation to the first-principles results and in agreement with the experimental findings in the recent years.