EVIDENCE FOR A STRAIN-INDUCED VARIATION OF THE MAGNETIC-MOMENT IN EPITAXIAL CU NI/CU/SI(100) STRUCTURES/

We have studied the magnetic moment and in-plane strain in epitaxial C u/Ni/Cu/Si(100) structures by varying both the Ni and Cu buffer layer thickness. We find a sharp reduction in magnetic moment with increasin g Ni lattice strain. Our structural and temperature-dependent studies exclude interdiffusion, interface roughness, and a decreased Curie tem perature as possible causes of the reduced moment, but reveal a strong correlation between the strain and magnetic moment in Cu/Ni/Cu struct ures.