Title :
Magnetic quantum well states in ultrathin film and wedge structures
Author :
Li, Dongqi ; Bader, S.D.
Author_Institution :
Div. of Mater. Sci., Argonne Nat. Lab., IL, USA
fDate :
9/1/1996 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Magnetic quantum-well (QW) states are probed with angle- and spin-resolved photoemission to address critical issues pertaining to the origin of the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) optimization and oscillatory coupling of magnetic multilayers. Two epitaxial systems are highlighted: Cu/Co(wedge)/Cu(100) and Cr/Fe(100)-whisker. The confinement of Cu sp-QW states by a Co barrier requires a characteristic Co thickness of 2.2±0.6 Å, which is consistent with the interfacial Co thickness reported to optimize the GMR of Permalloy-Cu structures. The controversial k-space origin of the 18-Å long period oscillation in Fe/Cr multilayers is identified by the vector that spans the d-derived “lens” feature of the Cr Fermi surface , based on the emergence of QW states with 17±2 Å periodicity in this region
Keywords :
Fermi surface; chromium; cobalt; copper; giant magnetoresistance; iron; magnetic epitaxial layers; magnetic multilayers; photoelectron spectra; Co barrier; Co thickness; Cr Fermi surface; Cr-Fe; Cr/Fe(100)-whisker; Cu-Co-Cu; Cu/Co(wedge)/Cu(100); Fe/Cr multilayers; Permalloy-Cu structures; angle-resolved photoemission; controversial k-space origin; epitaxial systems; giant magnetoresistance optimization; interfacial Co thickness; magnetic multilayers; magnetic quantum well states; oscillatory coupling; spin-resolved photoemission; ultrathin film; wedge structures; Chromium; Couplings; Giant magnetoresistance; Iron; Magnetic confinement; Magnetic films; Magnetic multilayers; Nonhomogeneous media; Photoelectricity; Quantum wells;
Journal_Title :
Magnetics, IEEE Transactions on
