Quantum-Well State Induced Oscillations Of The Electron-Spin Motion In Au Films On Co(001)

We report on spin-polarized electron reflection experiments in which the electron-spin motion is studied in spin-dependent quantum-well structures. Quantum-well state induced oscillations of both the electron reflectivity and the electron-spin motion are observed in the system Au/Co(001) as a function of the Au overlayer thickness. A Fabry-Perot interferometer model can explain the main features of the experimental data. We discuss the influence of the spin-dependent reflectivity, the inelastic mean free path, the diffusively scattered electron intensity contribution, and the growth mode on the behavior of the electron-spin motion within the interferometer model.