Magnetic polarization of Cu layers in exchange-coupled Co/Cu multilayers

Journal Article · Wed Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 2006 · Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.74.174432· OSTI ID:20853861

Ishiji, K; Hashizume, H; Suzuki, Y; Tamura, E ^[1]

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1. Photon Factory, KEK, Oho, Tsukuba 305-0801 (Japan)

The magnetic polarization of delocalized Cu electrons in the layered Co/Cu structures and the exchange coupling energy of ferromagnetic Co moments across the Cu spacer have been calculated using the quantum-interference model. The quantum-well term of the total Cu spin moment oscillates versus the spacer thickness with a phase retarded by about {pi}/2 from the coupling energy. This phase relation has been evidenced experimentally by measuring x-ray magnetic circular dichroic (XMCD) absorptions at the Co and Cu K edges from a series of Co/Cu multilayers with varying Cu thicknesses. The normalized Cu XMCD signals show a larger modulation as a function of Cu-layer thickness than predicted by the quantum-well term of the total Cu moment. The interface term makes marginal contributions to the total Cu moment probably because of the detrimental effects of rough interfaces in the sputter-deposited Co/Cu multilayers.

• OSTI ID: 20853861
• Journal Information: Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, Journal Name: Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics Journal Issue: 17 Vol. 74; ISSN 1098-0121
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
ABSORPTION
COBALT
COPPER
COUPLING
ELECTRONS
EXCHANGE INTERACTIONS
FERROMAGNETIC MATERIALS
INTERFACES
INTERFERENCE
LAYERS
MAGNETIC CIRCULAR DICHROISM
MAGNETIC MOMENTS
MODULATION
POLARIZATION
QUANTUM WELLS
SPIN
THICKNESS
X RADIATION