Spin-wave mode profiles versus surface/interface conditions in ferromagnetic Fe/Ni layered composites

Spin-wave excitations in ferromagnetic layered composite (AB DT DT DT BA; A and B being different homogeneous ferromagnetic materials) are analysed theoretically, by means of the transfer matrix approach. The properties of multilayer spin-wave mode profiles are discussed in relation to multilayer characteristics, such as the filling fraction and the exchange or magnetization contrast; also, surface spin pinning conditions and dipolar interactions are taken into account. The interface conditions are satisfied by introducing an effective exchange field expressed by interface gradients of the exchange constant and the magnetization. This approach provides an easy way to find frequencies and amplitudes of standing spin waves in the multilayer. The developed theory is applied to interpretation of spin wave resonance (SWR) spectra obtained experimentally by Chambers et al in two systems: a bilayer Fe/Ni and a trilayer Ni/Fe/Ni, in perpendicular (to the multilayer surface) configuration of the applied magnetic field. By fitting the SWR spectra obtained experimentally and those found numerically, the surface anisotropies are estimated on multilayer surfaces; then, the observed resonance lines are identified as associated with bulk, surface or interface modes. The theory can be extended to a general case of any multi-component layered system.