Abstract
The exchange coupling between ferromagnetic layers separated by a thin non-magnetic, metallic spacer, is currently an object 6f intense investigation. The recently discovered, 7r/2 coupling, between magnetizations of the neighbouring magnetic layers [1] added new interest to the problem [2]. Although the dominating mechanism for this exchange interaction has been unambiguously associated with the Ruderman—Kittel—Kasuya—Yoshida (RKKY) interaction [3] the specific mechanisms responsible for the entire coupling are not yet fully understood. There are basically two strategies which have been used theoretically to study the interlayer magnetic coupling: (i) total energy calculations and (ii) perturbative models. Most applications of the latter approach follow earlier studies on the coupling between magnetic impurities in a host metal. The coupling of the ionic spin Sn with the itinerant electron spin o is usually taken as the contact interaction [41:
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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
