Abstract
Demonstrated is the growth of epitaxial Co/Ru superlattices--despite the large lattice mismatch ( approx 8%)--consisting of hcp (0001) Co and Ru sublayers. The evaporation of the first cobalt monolayers onto the Ru buffer follows a layer by layer mechanism after which the Co nucleates into islands. Throughout the sample growth, the average in-plane lattice parameter relaxes toward the bulk values within 15 A, suggesting two growth regimes which induce dramatic effect on the magnetic properties.