DEPENDENCE OF X-RAY-ABSORPTION MAGNETIC CIRCULAR-DICHROISM ON LAYER PERIODICITY IN IRON-PLATINUM MULTILAYERS

Magnetic circular dichroism in x-ray absorption is observed in Fe/Pt m ultilayers. The magnetization and helicity are both in the plane of th e Fe/Pt multilayers which are prepared by planar magnetron sputter dep osition. Lattice and layer pair spacings are measured using grazing in cidence and high-angle x-ray scattering. The film composition and latt ice growth are confirmed using Auger depth profiling and cross-section transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The state of the film magnetization is found to be dependent on the layer pair spacing as w ell as the relative thickness of the Fe to Pt layer. The maximum magne tic moment is measured for a (Fe 9.5 angstrom/Pt 9.5 angstrom)92 multi layer.