Spectra of the magneto-optical Kerr effect, in a series of ͓Fe (xML͒/Au (xML)͔ N superlattices with integer and noninteger values of x (1рxр15), were measured. For xϭ1 the superlattic forms an L1 0 -type ordered alloy structure. The magneto-optical spectrum of the superlattice exhibits a prominent structure around 4 eV, which shows a systematic shift toward higher energies as x increases (1рxр5). No such structure can be reproduced by an optical calculation assuming a simple stack of thin Fe and Au layers. Ab initio band calculations have shown similar magneto-optical spectra and a similar peak shift with an increase in x (1рxр6). This suggests that electronic structures which differ from that of a simple stack of thin Fe and Au are realized in the superlattices. For noninteger values of x, oscillatory behavior with a period of one monolayer was observed in the low energy region of the magneto-optical spectra.

-Magnetooptical Kerr spectra were measured in [Fc(nML)/ Au(nlvfL)h superlattices with non-intcger \"aluc of n. Although oycrall spectral features are similar to those of integer superlattices, clear differences \yere found in low-energy spectra, Spectra of the off-diagonal conductiYity tensor clement multiplied by the angular frequency, O)CJ n were calculated. An oscillatory beha\'ior was found in the absolute \"alue of (t)CJ xy at the photon energy of 1.5 eV '

C-blocks are unique piezoelectric building blocks which can be combined in series or parallel to generate tailorable performance and exploit the advantages of bender and stack architectures. This paper presents a complete theoretical model that predicts the force-deflection behavior for any generic C-block actuator array configuration. An experimental investigation with five case studies is described that validates the model over a broad range of actuator prototypes and performance. This study characterizes the sensitivity of this class of actuator array with respect to material, geometric, and configuration parameters. The paper concludes with a comparison of the generic C-block architecture to the current state of art on a basis of absolute measures such as maximum force, deflection, and work and normalized measures such as effective stress, strain, and work per actuator volume. From this, it is concluded that C-blocks are a highly efficient, mid-range actuation technology.