SURFACE-ROUGHNESS OF LAYERS AND GIANT MAGNETORESISTANCE OF MAGNETIC MULTILAYER STRUCTURES

A model which explains the giant magnetoresistance of magnetic multila yer structures in terms of a breakup of the magnetic layers into domai ns is proposed. Since the exchange interaction between layers is an os cillatory function of the thickness of the nonmagnetic layer, fluctuat ions in thickness give rise to regions with an interaction of the oppo site sign. This effect leads to a breakup of the layers into domains. Conditions for this breakup are discussed. This model can explain the entire set of experimental data. (C) 1995 American Institute of Physic s.