Monte Carlo simulations of magnetic properties in multilayers

A Monte Carlo method has been used to simulate Heisenberg multilayer systems (L × L × 4P) consisting of alternating P ferromagnetic layers A and B with antiferromagnetic interface coupling J_AB. Finite-size effects on the specific heat and magnetisation thermal variation for two kinds of boundary conditions at the top and bottom planes are investigated. In particular, our Monte Carlo data evidence that the specific heat exhibits two peaks and a single phase transition occurs at the temperature which corresponds to the location of the high temperature peak (as L → ∞).