Long-Period Oscillating Interactions Between Ferromagnetic Layers Separated by a Nonmagnetic Metal: a Simple Physical Picture

Abstract

We suggest that, in certain conditions, the long period of the oscillating coupling between ferromagnetic layers separated by a nonmagnetic metal may result from an effect of vernier between the space lattice parameter, and the half Fermi wavelength period of a RKKY-type coupling. The predictions of a simple model of free electrons are compared to available experimental data.