Oscillatory coupling between ferromagnetic layers separated by a nonmagnetic metal spacer

Abstract

We have derived the expression of the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida coupling between two ferromagnetic layers separated by a nonmagnetic spacer, for arbitrary crystal structure and Fermi surface. For the first time, quantitative predictions of the interlayer coupling for Cu, Ag, and Au spacers are given. The results are in good agreement with recent experimental data for fcc Co/Cu and Fe/Cu systems.