Giant magnetoresistance in Ag/Ni superlattices

Abstract

A comparison of the evolution of magnetoresistance and magnetic coupling in the Ag/Ni superlattice system is presented as a function of the silver thickness, for a nickel thickness kept at 8 \AA{}. This system exhibits a magnetoresistance effect as large as 28% and gives rise to an ideal thickness of 10--12 \AA{} for antiferromagnetic coupling. No further clear oscillations are observed. Both the position and amplitude of the oscillations are in agreement with recent theoretical calculations.