Magnetic properties of cobalt clusters embedded in copper

The magnetic properties of Co clusters of up to several hundred atoms embedded in a Cu matrix are studied using an improved tight-binding model previously developed. We find that the average local spin moment for Co grains in Cu tends to be slightly larger for larger grains, and unlike the free clusters, the local spin moment on Co tends to decrease toward the Co/Cu interface. However, both for free and Cu coated Co clusters, the local orbital moment on Co always increases away from the center.