Interlayer Exchange Coupling in M/N/M Multilayer

Abstract

The interlayer exchange coupling (IEC) of two local moment ferromagnetic layers separated by a non-magnetic spacer layer (M/N/M multilayer) is studied using the modified RKKY method along with the s-f model. The IEC exhibits oscillatory behaviour with respect to the spacer layer thickness and it oscillates between ferro- and antiferromagnetic configurations. The conventional RKKY method is also used to obtain the IEC and the results are compared with those obtained from the modified RKKY method which incorporates the electron correlation effects. We find significant correlation effects on the IEC and in fact the correlations alter the nature and magnitude of the magnetic coupling.