Oscillatory interlayer exchange coupling of Co/Ru multilayers investigated by Brillouin light scattering

Abstract

We have determined the absolute value of the interlayer exchange coupling constant A12 of sputtered Co/Ru multilayers using Brillouin light scattering. The spin-wave frequencies, and therefore A12, are found to oscillate as a function of the Ru layer thickness with a period of 11.5. Detailed calculations show that the spin-wave frequency oscillations result from the canting of layer magnetizations in the antiferromagnetic coupling regimes. © 1992 The American Physical Society.