Interlayer exchange coupling in one-dimensional CMR manganite/organic semiconductor/CMR manganite system

Abstract Based on the recent experimental work in Re 1− x Ak x MnO 3 /Alq 3 /Re 1− x Ak x MnO 3 or Re 1− x Ak x MnO 3 /sexithienyl/Re 1− x Ak x MnO 3 sandwich structure, interlayer exchange coupling through an organic spacer is studied theoretically in a one-dimensional tight binding model. The softness of organic semiconductor and its self-adjusting capability at the interface are considered by taking a strong electron–lattice interaction. The results are compared with that of a rigid inorganic semiconductor. It is found that the exchange coupling between the magnetic layers oscillates with the thickness of the organic spacer. Besides, the coupling for the organic spacer is always stronger than that for the inorganic one and this difference is more apparent in the case of a strong interfacial interaction.