90/spl deg/ domains and coupling in Co/Cu giant magnetoresistance superlattices on Si(100) substrates

Giant magnetoresistance and interlayer coupling in Co/Cu superlattices grown by e-beam evaporation have been investigated with the combined three-axis magneto-optical Kerr effect, magnetotransport measurements, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Correlations between 90/spl deg/ alignment of the magnetization in adjacent layers and magnetoresistance oscillation curves suggest that the GMR in superlattices with imperfect interfaces results from 90/spl deg/ relative orientation of domains in adjacent Co layers.