Monte Carlo simulation of multilayer magnetic structures and calculation of the magnetoresistance coefficient

The Monte Carlo study of three-layer and spin-valve magnetic structures with giant magnetoresistance effects has been performed with the application of the Heisenberg anisotropic model to the description of the magnetic properties of thin ferromagnetic films. The dependences of the magnetic characteristics on the temperature and external magnetic field have been obtained for the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic configurations of these structures. A Monte Carlo method for determining the magnetoresistance coefficient has been developed. The magnetoresistance coefficient has been calculated for three-layer and spin-valve magnetic structures at various thicknesses of ferromagnetic films. It has been shown that the calculated temperature dependence of the magnetoresistance coefficient is in good agreement with experimental data obtained for the Fe(001)/Cr(001) multilayer structure and the CFAS/Ag/CFAS/IrMn spin valve based on the Co₂FeAl_0.5Si_0.5 (CFAS) Heusler alloy.