  The search for materials or systems exhibiting a high magnetic saturation has
been of longstanding importance. It has been suggested that increased
saturation could be achieved by coupling a transition metal via a spacer to a
rare earth. We report Gd/Cr/Fe70Co30 multilayer stacks and find reduced yet
modulating magnetic moment as a function of Cr thickness. Through a micro
structural analysis the lowered moment is indicated by the nucleation of the
ultrathin Gd films into an fcc phase. We discuss the possible solution in terms
of quasi-perfect lattice match seed material to promote growth of hcp Gd.
