Survey of Metallic Multilayer Studies

Abstract

Studies on artificially structured multilayers by the author's group for about 20 years are briefly surveyed. In many combinations of metallic elements, establishment of nanoscale superstructures has been confirmed, which suggests the potensial to create new materials. The novel phenomenon, giant magnetoresistance (GMR), was found first in Fe/Cr multilayers and the technical application of the GMR principle has been successfully realized as the spin-valve recording head. Perspectives for further studies on magnetic multilayers are also mentioned.