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Tuning magnetic anisotropy in metallic multilayers by surface charging: an ab initio study
P Ruiz-Díaz1, T R Dasa, V S Stepanyuk
1Max-Planck-Institut für Mikrostrukturphysik Weinberg 2, D-06120 Halle, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|July 16, 2013
Summary
Surface charging offers a novel method to control magnetic anisotropy (MA) and magnetization direction in metallic magnetic multilayers. This study demonstrates tunable MA in Fe-Pt systems, revealing potential for easy-axis switching.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
Background:
- Metallic magnetic multilayers are crucial for spintronic devices.
- Controlling magnetic anisotropy (MA) is essential for device performance.
- Surface effects play a significant role in magnetic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of surface charging on magnetic anisotropy in metallic magnetic multilayers.
- To explore the tunability of magnetization direction via surface charge.
- To understand the origin of MA in Fe-Pt systems under surface charging.
Main Methods:
- Ab initio electronic structure calculations.
- Analysis of orbital moment anisotropy.
- Composition-dependent studies on Fe-Pt multilayers.
Main Results:
- Surface charging effectively tailors both MA magnitude and magnetization direction.
- Fe-Pt multilayers show composition-dependent MA, with large values for Fe/Pt systems.
- Easy-axis switching is observed in multilayers capped with iron bilayers due to surface charging.
Conclusions:
- Surface charging is a viable strategy for tuning magnetic properties in metallic multilayers.
- The findings provide insights into the local origin of MA.
- This work opens avenues for designing advanced magnetic materials and devices.
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