A quantum-statistical theory of electron tunneling in magnetic junctions of
the form F/P/O/F, where F and P are, respectively, a magnetic and a parama
gnetic metal is presented. The effect of scattering at the P/O interface is
discussed. The relatively slow decay of tunnel magnetoresistance experimen
tally observed when P is Cu as a function of the Cu layer thickness is expl
ained by considering the particular shape of the Fermi surface in the (111)
direction. For other metals, our model predicts a much more rapid decay, i
n agreement with experimental observations.