Interlayer exchange coupling between [Pd/Co] multilayers and CoFeB/MgO layers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

Interlayer exchange coupling between [Pd/Co] multilayers and CoFeB/MgO layers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) is investigated as functions of the thicknesses of the Ru spacer and CoFeB layer. The dependence of the coupling behavior on the Ru thickness is similar to that of in-plane anisotropy systems. However, one feature is that the PMA is strengthened through interlayer exchange coupling, as indicated by the fact that PMA of the interface-based CoFeB/MgO structure forms for a thick magnetic layer (1.4 nm). Another observation is the conversion from perpendicular to in-plane anisotropy with thick Ru spacers with almost zero exchange coupling strength. VC 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4770300]