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Anomalous hysteresis loops measured by longitudinal and polar magneto-optical Kerr effects (MOKE) were observed in a Co/NiO/Cu/Co/Cu structure. After excluding other possible mechanisms, we explain the anomalous hysteresis loops in terms of the opposite rotation angles for the top- and bottom-Co layers. Ultimately, the opposite rotation angles are likely caused by the different incidence angles for the top- and bottom-Co layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of interfacial planar doping with an insulating granular layer in a sandwiched structure was studied. By inserting a thin SiO[sub 2]-Ni layer at either the Co/Cu (top) or Cu/Co (bottom) interface in sandwiched Co/Cu/Co structures, the magnetoresistance curve as a function of the magnetic field changed significantly. This change was due to a reduction of interlayer coupling and to a change in the switching mechanism of the magnetizations caused by modification of the interface. In addition, the dusted Co/Cu/Co structures showed flat peaks and small switching fields that would be very useful for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]