Magnetism of thin films and in Fe/Ni, Co/Fe bilayers on Cu(001)

Abstract

Using X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism, the spin and orbital magnetic moments were determined through the sum rules for ultrathin (2-4 ML) films of 3d elements on Cu(001). The fct Co ultrathin films, contrary to the fct Ni, show an enhancement of the orbital moment. The influence of direct coupling in Fe/Ni and Co/Fe bilayers is investigated. In Fe/Ni, an enhancement of the Ni (15 ML) orbital moment is observed. The easy axis of the Fe (3 ML) magnetisation changes from out of plane to in plane by capping it with Co.