Coupling Effect Between the Magnetizations of Two Thin Layers Separated by a Thin Nonmagnetic Metallic Layer

Abstract

The coupling between films of NiFe and another ferromagnetic material separated by a thin layer of a nonferromagnetic metal has been investigated for the cases of Au, Ag, Cr, and Pd intermediates. It is found that for Pd an alloy formation takes place during evaporation, and that for Cr, a porosity effect is important. It appears unlikely that either of these effects can be important for Au and Ag, and in these cases the possibility of indirect exchange must be considered seriously.