Abstract
The diffraction of free electrons through the localised magnetic moments contributes to the magnetic coupling between ferromagnetics layers separated by metallic paramagnetic spacers. It is shown that the energy of free electrons is lower for the case of antiferromagnetic coupling. Calculations have been performed in second-order perturbation approximation. The perturbative potential is the Zeeman coupling between the electron spins, and the molecular field is described by different Fourier expansions according to the ferro- or antiferromagnetic configurations. It is concluded that, for perfectly planar interfaces, the coupling carried through free electrons is always antiferromagnetic. Presumably, more complicated mechanisms are responsible for the observed oscillations. The molecular field penetration into the paramagnetic spacer can account for the ferromagnetic coupling observed for very thin paramagnetic layers.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
