  The influence of a c(2x2) ordered interface alloy of 3d transition metals at
the ferromagnet/nonmagnet interface on interlayer exchange coupling (IXC), the
formation of quantum well states (QWS) and the phenomenon of Giant
MagnetoResistance is investigated. We obtained a strong dependence of IXC on
interface alloy formation. The GMR ratio is also strongly influenced. We found
that Fe, Ni and Cu alloys at the interface enhance the GMR ratio for in-plane
geometry by nearly a factor of 2.

Materials Science