Layer selective magnetic moment distribution in an epitaxial double spin valve structure: Si(001)/Cu/FeNi/Cu/Co/Cu/FeNi/Cu

We determine layer selectively the magnetic moments, spin orientations and thicknessess of an epitaxial double spin valve structure, Si(001)/Cu/FeNi/C u/Co/Cu/FeNi/Cu, using Polarised Neutron Reflectivity (PNR), At saturation, the layer-averaged magnetic moment per Co atom was found to be 1.71 +/- 0. 08 mu(B), while the top (bottom) FeNi layer moment was 1.08 +/- 0.06 mu(B) (0.95 +/- 0.08 mu(B)) For an applied field strength Ii, smaller than the Co layer coercive field of similar to 100 Oe, the Co and FeNi layer magnetisa tion vectors are found to lie in-plane but canted with respect to each othe r in contrast to the fully antiparallel state predicted by simple energy mi nimisation, The observed canting is discussed with regard to the role of ma gnetic domains in the Co layer.