A formalism to calculate the transmission coefficient t of electrons from a material $\mathcal{L}$ into the same material $\mathcal{L}$ through a barrier $\mathcal{B}$ is presented. The barrier $\mathcal{B}$ is arbitrary, and can be metallic, semiconducting, or insulating. The important feature of this formalism is that it starts from the electronic structure of a periodic $\mathcal{L}/\mathcal{B}$ superlattice. The electronic structure of such a superlattice is calculated self-consistently within a screened Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method. The capability of this method is demonstrated by means of a free-electron model. Results for the transmission of Cu electrons through a Co layer are presented.

• Received 27 October 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.63.195403