Layer-resolved self-consistent electronic calculations of magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE) provide new insight to the off-plane magnetization observed in Pd capped Co films on Pd(111). We demonstrate that the transition from perpendicular to in-plane phases with increasing film thickness involves an intermediate spin-canted phase. The interfaces responsible for the stability of the off-plane easy axes are characterized microscopically. A local analysis of the MAEs reveals an unexpected internal magnetic structure of the Co-Pd interfaces in which the magnetic moments and spin-orbit interactions at the Pd atoms play a crucial role.

• Received 16 September 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.91.197206