Oscillatory Behavior of the Interlayer Exchange Coupling as a Function of Au Cap Layer Thickness in Au/Fe/Au/Fe/Au(001)

Abstract

We have found that the interlayer exchange coupling between two Fe layers separated by a Au spacer oscillates as a function of the Au cap layer thickness in a MBE-grown Au/Fe/Au/Fe/Au(001) sandwich structure. Two oscillations with periods of 2.6 ML and 8.0 ML were observed. The characteristics of the Au cap layer thickness dependence, namely the appearance of two oscillations and the values of their oscillation periods are the same as those for the Au interlayer. The behavior can be explained as arising from the quantum interference effect in the Au cap layer.