Influence of the interface on the magnetic moment of Co clusters in CoCu granular alloys

We report on X-ray magnetic circular dichroism experiments performed on Co/sub 5/Cu/sub 95/ as-quenched and annealed granular alloys with giant magnetoresistance (GMR). Results of the Co-L/sub 2,3/ edges give evidence of a direct correlation between the Co orbital and spin magnetic moment with the Co clusters interfacial roughness, a matter that is critical in the GMR response.