The magnitude of the bilinear and biquadratic interlayer coupling strengths between Fe layers separated by Cr spacer layers is investigated by means of Brillouin light scattering, magneto-optic Kerr rotation, and magnetoresistance techniques. A data analysis scheme, which treats all three data sets on an equal footing, yields self-consistent anisotropy and interlayer coupling parameters extracted independently from the three techniques. The values of the bilinear and biquadratic coupling strengths are compared for simultaneously grown (211) and (100) Fe/Cr samples. The approach not only provides reliable values for the coupling strengths but also highlights the complementarity of these techniques in uniquely determining the magnetic parameters. © 1996 The American Physical Society.

• Received 15 January 1996

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.54.3385