Structure and Magnetism of MBE-Grown Co/Cu Multilayers

Structural and magnetic properties of Co/Cu multilayers deposited in the ultra-high vacuum molecular beam epitaxy system on glass substrates with different modulations periods were investigated. A structural characterization was performed by means of RHEED and Auger spectroscopy (in situ), small angle X-ray reflectivity and scanning tunneling microscopy. The samples obtained have a textured, polycrystalline layered structure for deposition at room temperature. Magnetization and in-plane magnetoresistance measurements were performed as a function of Cu and Co layer thicknesses. An influence of different buffers and of interface quality on magnetic properties was investigated.