Magnetoresistance effect and interlayer exchange coupling in epitaxial Fe/Au(100) and Fe/Au(111) multilayers

Abstract

Single-crystal-like Fe/Au(100) and polycrystalline Fe/Au(111) multilayers were prepared by ultrahigh-vacuum deposition. In the Fe/Au(100) system, a distinct oscillation in the magnetoresistance (MR) ratio in accordance with the changes of interlayer exchange coupling was observed at room temperature as a function of Au-spacer-layer thickness. In the Fe/Au(111) system, an antiferromagnetic coupling was also confirmed. Flatness of interfaces and well-controlled spacer-layer thicknesses are crucial factors to ensure observation of the MR-oscillation effect.