(superconducting quantum interference device)-based magnetic microscope to study the
magnetic properties of Au/Ni/Si (100) films in the thickness range from 8 to 200 Å at T= 77 K.
A one-domain structure with in-plane orientation of the magnetic moment was found for film
thicknesses exceeding 26 Å. A drastic decrease of the magnetization of the film was
detected when the thickness is less than 26 Å.