c(2x2) Interface Alloys in Co/Cu Multilayers - Influence on Interlayer Exchange Coupling and GMR

Abstract

The influence of a c(2x2) ordered interface alloy of 3d transition metals at the ferromagnet/nonmagnet interface on interlayer exchange coupling (IXC), the formation of quantum well states (QWS) and the phenomenon of Giant MagnetoResistance is investigated. We obtained a strong dependence of IXC on interface alloy formation. The GMR ratio is also strongly influenced. We found that Fe, Ni and Cu alloys at the interface enhance the GMR ratio for in-plane geometry by nearly a factor of 2.Comment: 14 pages, 5 figures, 1 table, subm. to PR