The effect of proximity-induced spin density wave order and interface roughness on magnetic coupling in Fe/Cr multilayers

Abstract A microscopic model of proximity-induced spin density wave is suggested for the description of exchange coupling and non-collinear ordering of Fe layers in Fe/Cr layered structures with rough interfaces. The systems with relatively thick Fe and thin Cr layers are particularly considered. The Ginzburg–Landau expansion for the free energy is used to reveal the optimal magnetic configuration depending on spacer and roughness parameters, as well as on interface morphology.