We have calculated the mgnetic coupling of two layers of iron through an intervening layer of chromium. We use the mixing interaction between iron atoms at the interfaces with the conduction electrons of chromium and the band structure of paramagnetic chromium. When we take into account the roughness of the interface, our calculated coupling reproduces the essential features of the coupling found in Fe/Cr superlattices.

• Received 1 June 1990

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.65.2732