Oscillatory interlayer coupling mediated by fcc-Fe/Co(100) films

The magnetism of epitaxial fcc-Fe films deposited on Co(1 0 0) and sandwiched between two Co(1 0 0) films was investigated by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism at various temperatures. The dependence of the Fe magnetism on the film thickness is complex and qualitatively similar on Co(1 0 0) and in fcc-Co/Fe/Co(1 0 0) trilayers. The fcc-Fe film magnetization presents a pronounced oscillation suggesting a partial antiferromagnetic ordering in the 5-10 monolayers (ML) thickness range. The decrease in temperature down to 100 K does not exhibit any change in the magnetic properties of the Fe-film. The fcc-Fe films mediate an oscillatory, indirect coupling in Co/Fe/Co(1 0 0) structures that alternates in correspondence with the changes of the Fe magnetization.