180-DEGREES WALLS STRUCTURES IN EXCHANGE-COUPLED MULTILAYERS WITH INPLANE UNIAXIAL ANISOTROPY

First, the number of irreducible wall configurations is derived, both for an odd and an even number of magnetic layers. Second, the comparis on of simulated wall structures in stacks made of three and four magne tic layers serves as an illustration of the interplay between flux-clo sure mechanisms and interlayer exchange interactions. Flux closure is shown either to compete or accommodate with ferromagnetic-type interla yer exchange interactions owing to its short- or long-range character. Last, an equivalent single layer behavior is shown to develop with an increasing number of magnetic layers, magnetic layer thickness, and i nterlayer (ferromagnetic-type) exchange parameter. (C) 1997 American I nstitute of Physics.