Application of coupled films to memory elements

A review of multilayer film applications to memory elements is given. Among the topics discussed are the development of creep-free elements by use of multilayer or composite films, the application of magnetostatically coupled films and of exchange coupled films for DRO and NDRO memories, and finally the potential applications of multilayer films to magnetooptic memories. The latter includes multilayer films made of two strongly ferromagnetic films separated by a low-Curie-temperature intermediate layer. Their coercivity changes rapidly with temperature and this original property can be used to make magnetooptic memories.