Exchange coupling between magnetic layers across non-magnetic superlattices

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the oscillation periods of interlayer exchange coupling between magnetic layers are affected by non-magnetic superlattices, revealing new tunable periodicities related to Fermi surface deformation.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the oscillation periods can be controlled by parameters affecting the Fermi surface, introducing a new way to tune magnetic interactions across superlattices.

Findings

New oscillation periods arise with superlattice cell number.

Fermi surface deformation explains the new periodicities.

Oscillation periods can be tuned via controllable parameters.

Abstract

The oscillation periods of the interlayer exchange coupling are investigated when two magnetic layers are separated by a metallic superlattice of two distinct non-magnetic materials. In spite of the conventional behaviour of the coupling as a function of the spacer thickness, new periods arise when the coupling is looked upon as a function of the number of cells of the superlattice. The new periodicity results from the deformation of the corresponding Fermi surface, which is explicitly related to a few controllable parameters, allowing the oscillation periods to be tuned.