The Nature and Validity of the RKKY limit of exchange coupling in magnetic trilayers

TL;DR

This paper investigates the RKKY theory's applicability to magnetic trilayers with potential wells, clarifying misconceptions about oscillation periods and establishing the theory's valid range.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the RKKY theory does not predict additional oscillation periods due to potential wells, challenging recent claims and discussing its validity limits.

Findings

No extra oscillation periods from potential wells within RKKY theory

RKKY theory's predictions are consistent with certain experimental observations

Discussion on the limits of RKKY theory's applicability

Abstract

The effects on the exchange coupling in magnetic trilayers due to the presence of a spin-independent potential well are investigated. It is shown that within the RKKY theory no bias nor extra periods of oscillation associated with the depth of the well are found, contrary to what has been claimed in recent works. The range of validity of the RKKY theory is also discussed.