Macromagnetism and micromagnetism in Ni-Mo metallic superlattices.

The magnetic properties of Ni-Mo metallic superlattices have been examined by magnetization and polarized-neutron diffraction measurements. The samples are ferromagnetic, with an ordering temperature rapidly increasing with the superlattice period A. The saturation magnetization per nickel atom also increases with A, gradually approaching the value of the pure metal. The proximity of molybdenum lowers the nickel magnetic moments with a deeper perturbation at the imperfections of the crystalline layers. A comparison of x-ray and neutron scattering data implies that the magnetic profile in the superlattice is more perfect than the chemical profile.