Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
This study explores the consequences of structure on the electronic properties of magnetic multilayers. Epitaxial layers of Co and Cu are grown on Cu(100) in a new deposition system that couples sputter-deposition with MBE and contains a wide range of characterization tools, including RHEED, LEED, and Kerr effect. This system can be coupled in situ to spin-polarized, angle-resolved photoemission and to resonant, magnetic X-ray scattering, both employing synchrotron radiation. The interface structure turns out to be critical in determining the coercivity and the presence of quantum well states, which determine oscillatory magnetic coupling.