Oscillatory behavior in the electrical resistivity of transition-metal superlattices

The electrical resistivity of Co/Ni and Cu/Ni superlattices exhibit resistivity oscillations as a function of superlattice period Lambda, while Ag/Pd does not. Moreover, the resistivity of Co/Ni superlattices shows quantum size effects and a resistivity enhancement with Lambda, as a function of total film thickness d. These results are consistent with a model which assumes d-electron localization in the superlattice structure.