Layer-dependent magnetic-moment distribution in an epitaxial double spin valve structure: Si(001)/Cu/FeNi/Cu/Co/Cu/FeNi/Cu

Polarized neutron reflectivity was used to determine, layer selectively, the magnetic moments, spin orientations, and thicknesses of an epitaxial double spin valve structure of the form Si(001)/Cu/FeNi/Cu/Co/Cu/FeNi/Cu. Absolute values of the average magnetic moment per atom were determined within an error BE similar to+/-5%. At saturation, the layer-averaged magnetic moment per Co atom was found to be 1.71 +/- 0.08 mu(B), while the top (bottom) FeNi layer moment was 1.08 +/- 006 mu(B) (0.95 +/- 0.08 mu(B)). For an applied field strength H-a smaller than the Co layer coercive field of similar to 100 Oe, the Co and FeNi layer magnetization vectors are found to lie in plane but canted with respect to each other in contrast to the fully antiparallel state predicted by simple energy minimization. The observed canting is attributed to the presence of magnetic domains in the Co layer. [S0163-1829(99)10233-9].