Long-period oscillation in the magnetic coupling through chromium in a magnetic multilayer: Bulk issues

The long period oscillation of magnetic coupling through Cr as the spacer layer of especially Fe/Cr magnetic multilayers is examined. It is shown that a reasonable empirical adjustment of the {ital d}-band position does bring calipers on the {ital N}-centered ellipses into agreement with experiment. The lens surface becomes too small and more anisotropic providing further evidence that it is not involved. However, the neck of the jack surface does reach the proper size and so accounts for the photoemission observations. A mechanism of mode coupling to enhance the strength of the long period oscillation is examined and rejected. A thorough examination of the Cr/(V,Mn) alloy spacer data strongly suggests instead a predilection for mode exclusion. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}