Effect of local variations in interlayer coupling on magnetization reversal in spin-valve multilayers

Abstract Using a simple phenomenological model we have studied magnetization reversal in spin-valve systems in the presence of local variations in interlayer coupling. By considering a Gaussian distribution of the coupling energy it is shown that for a sufficiently broad distribution, strongly coupled regions exist where the local magnetization in each layer reverses at the same applied field. It is also shown that the switching field distribution of a given layer depends upon its thickness. Calculated hysteresis loops are compared to experimental data from a simple trilayer system.