The spin correlation functions of a semi-infinite Heisenberg ferromagnet

Abstract

Results are derived for the dynamic correlation functions between a pair of spin operators at any two sites within a semi-infinite Heisenberg ferromagnet at low temperatures, T<<Tc. The correlation functions are found to contain terms describing the effects of the bulk spin-wave modes and the surface spin-wave modes, together with appropriate weighting factors. The results are employed to evaluate the spin deviation in the ferromagnet as a function of temperature and distance from the surface.