A unified semiclassical theory of parallel and perpendicular giant magnetoresistance in metallic superlattices

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Abstract
The giant magnetoresistance effect in magnetic superlattices for the current perpendicular to and in the layer planes is studied within a unified semiclassical approach that is based on the Boltzmann equation with exact boundary conditions for the spin-dependent distribution functions of electrons. Interface processes responsible for the magnetoresistance are found to be different in these geometries, and this can result in an essential difference in general behaviour between the in-plane magnetoresistance and the perpendicular-plane one. A correlation between the giant magnetoresistance and the multilayer magnetization is also discussed.