Magnetic anisotropy oscillations (invited)

Abstract

The magnetic anisotropy in Co films epitaxially grown on Cu(001) is investigated by measuring magneto-optical Kerr hysteresis loops during film growth. As a function of Co thickness the magnetic anisotropy oscillates with a period of 1 monolayer. These oscillations are attributed to the periodic variations of the film morphology alternating between filled and incompletely filled atomic layers. Upon coverage of the Co films with Cu overlayers the anisotropy of the magnetic film is found to oscillate with increasing Cu layer thickness. We relate these oscillations to quantum interferences due to the confinement of electrons in ultrathin films. © 1997 American Institute of Physics.