Direct experimental study of the microscopic remagnetization mechanism in Co/Cu magnetic superlattices

Using the magneto-optical indicator film technique, the correlation between the magnitude of the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) and the micromechanism of the magnetization reversal of electrodeposited Co/Cu superlattices are investigated for a range of Cu spacer thicknesses. The multilayers showing v...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials 1998-06, Vol.198-199, p.477-479
Main Authors: Nikitenko, V I, Gornakov, V S, Dedukh, L M, Khapikov, A F, Moffat, T P, Shapiro, A J, Shull, R D, Shima, M, Salamanca-Riba, L
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Using the magneto-optical indicator film technique, the correlation between the magnitude of the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) and the micromechanism of the magnetization reversal of electrodeposited Co/Cu superlattices are investigated for a range of Cu spacer thicknesses. The multilayers showing vanishing GMR exhibit a cooperative spin behavior, which is similar to that exhibited by thin ferromagnetic films with in-plane fourfold anisotropy. In contrast, superlattices with a substantial GMR demonstrate partially coupled non-collinear spin configurations, which are probably responsible for the observed giant magnetoresistance phenomenon.
ISSN:0304-8853