Ab initio calculations of giant magnetoresistance

Abstract

We present ab initio calculations of the giant magnetoresistance in magnetic multilayers. The electronic structure of the multilayers is calculated by spin density functional theory using a screened Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker method. The scattering of nanostructural defects in the multilayers is described by means of a Green’s function method. The scattering potentials are calculated self-consistently. The transport properties are treated quasiclassically solving the Boltzmann equation including the electronic structure of the layered system and the anisotropic scattering. The solution of the Boltzmann equation is performed iteratively taking into account both scattering out and scattering in terms (vertex corrections). Since we consider ferromagnetic systems a two current model is applied. Trends of residual resistivities and giant magnetoresistance ratios are discussed for Co/Cu multilayers with 3d transition metal defects.