Scattering of conduction electrons in Fe(t x , Å)/Cr(10 Å) superlattices with ultrathin iron layers

Abstract

IR magnetoreflection spectra, diagonal σxx and off-diagonal σxy components of the effective optical conductivity tensor, and magnetic properties of Fe(tx, A)/Cr(10 A) superlattices have been studied. The abrupt decrease in the amplitude of dissipative function −ωImσxy(ω) (ω is the cyclic frequency of light wave) in the superlattices with ultrathin Fe layers (tFe = 3.2, 2.6, 2.1 A) has been analyzed. It has been found that the magnetorefractive effect in nanostructures with ultrathin iron layers is due to scattering of conduction electrons by magnetic interfacial layers formed in the Cr matrix with complete consumption of deposited iron atoms. The parameters of the interfacial scattering of electrons in the spin-up (└) and spin-down (┌) conduction channels have been discussed.