Structure and Magnetic Properties of [Ag/Ni/Au] and [Au/Ni/Ag] Superlattices

Abstract

The interface structure and magnetic properties of the two kinds of superlattices, [Ag/Ni/Au] and [Au/Ni/Ag] consisting of the same kind of atomic species and the reverse deposition sequences have been investigated. In the [Ag/Ni/Au] superlattice, the in-plane lattice constant changed continuously in the Ni on Au, and the large lattice strain is contained in the Ni layers and mixing region exists at the interface of Ni on the Au. On the other hand, in the [Au/Ni/Ag] superlattice, the in-plane lattice constant changes dis continuously and little strain is contained. The [Ag/Ni/Au] superlattice containing mixing region shows smaller magnetization than the [Au/Ni/Ag] superlattice. The [Ag/Ni/Au] superlattice containing more elastic strain than the [Au/Ni/Ag] superlattice shows larger magnetic anisotropy.