Spin asymmetry and s-electron itinerancy in Co/X (X=Co, Cu, V and Ta) multilayers: their dependence on the electronegativity of non-magnetic layers

The electronic structure and magnetic properties of the Co at the Co/X (X=Co, Cu, V and Ta) interfaces have been studied by first-principle discrete variational method. We have found that the spin asymmetry and the s-electron itinerancy of the Co interface layer in the Co/X systems are strongly dependent on the electronegativity of the non-magnetic layers. A large difference in the electronegativity between the non-magnetic and Co layers is unfavorable both for s-electron itinerancy and for the spin exchange split of DOS at the Fermi level. Further study on charge density has revealed that a bond is formed across the Co/V and Co/Ta interfaces.