Exchange Enhancement of the Magnetocaloric Effect in Ferromagnetic Nanostructures (Brief Review)

An approach to magnetic cooling based on the proximity effect of ferromagnets with different Curie temperatures is proposed. An analogy is drawn between the magnetotransport properties and magnetocaloric effect of an exchange nature in magnetic multilayers. It is shown theoretically that the efficiency of magnetic cooling in such heterosystems can significantly exceed the efficiency observed in homogeneous magnets. The results of experimental studies of the magnetocaloric effect in the magnetic nanostructures, as well as prospects of their use in magnetic cooling devices, are discussed.