Ab initio calculations of giant magnetoresistance

We present ab initio calculations of the giant magnetoresistance in magneti c multilayers. The electronic structure of the multilayers is calculated by spin density functional theory using a screened Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker met hod. The scattering of nanostructural defects in the multilayers is describ ed by means of a Green's function method. The scattering potentials are cal culated self-consistently. The transport properties are treated quasiclassi cally solving the Boltzmann equation including the electronic structure of the layered system and the anisotropic scattering. The solution of the Bolt zmann equation is performed iteratively taking into account both scattering out and scattering in terms (vertex corrections). Since we consider ferrom agnetic systems a two current model is applied. Trends of residual resistiv ities and giant magnetoresistance ratios are discussed for Co/Cu multilayer s with 3d transition metal defects. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(00)72208-0].