Observation of two different oscillation periods in the exchange coupling of Fe/Cr/Fe(100)

Abstract

Oscillations of ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic exchange coupling between two Fe layers separated by a Cr spacer of linearly increasing thickness were investigated by imaging the magnetic domains with scanning electron microscopy with polarization analysis (SEMPA). Up to six oscillations in the coupling with a period of 10--12 Cr layers were observed, and, in the case of an extremely well ordered Cr interlayer, additional oscillations with a period of 2 Cr layers were observed.