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Overview of interlayer exchange theory J. C. Slonczewskia, * a IBM Research Division, Thomas J Watson Research Center, PO Box 218 Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 USA Received 28 November 1994; revised 5 January 1995. Available online 8 December 1999.
J. C. Slonczewskia, *
Basic mechanisms of interlayer exchange coupling between two ferromagnets separated by a non-magnetic spacer are surveyed. Simple generic theoretical models yielding closed formulae are treated. First, intrinsic exchange between itinerant ferromagnets is treated in the free-electron band approximation, including corrections to the elementary sinusoidal dependences on metallic-spacer thickness and on angle included between the magnetic moments. Properties of metallic and insulating spacers are compared. Then three special mechanisms of non-cos coupling are described: (1) fluctuations of spacer thickness, (2) loose spins, and (3) a novel phenomenological coupling through a non-normal spacer, possibly acting in spacers composed of chromium or manganese.
*Corresponding author.
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