The influence of a copper spacer on the magnetic properties of Pd/Co/Cu/Pd multilayers with perpendicular anisotropy

Abstract The potential for technological applications of systems presenting perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is undeniable. With the advent of spintronics and the possibility to explore spin textures, such as skyrmions, in devices, it becomes fundamental to understand how to finely tune the magnetic properties of nanometric systems. In multilayered thin films, characteristics such as domain structure, saturation magnetization and perpendicular anisotropy may be tailored by modifying the interfaces. In the present study, the impact of a copper spacer of varying thickness in Pd/Co/Cu/Pd multilayers on the magnetic properties is investigated. The evolution of magnetization curves, domain patterns and magnetization reversal processes in terms of the spacers thickness are analyzed.