Interface morphology driven exchange interaction and magnetization reversal in a Gd/Co multilayer.
Surendra Singh1,2, M A Basha1,2, Harsh Bhatt1,2
1Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India. surendra@barc.gov.in.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|March 2, 2022
Summary
Altering the interface morphology of rare-earth/transition metal (RE/TM) multilayers like Gd/Co through annealing significantly impacts their magnetic properties. This study reveals how interface engineering controls magnetic structure and magnetization reversal, crucial for applications like all-optical switching.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Rare-earth (RE)/transition metal (TM) heterostructures exhibit complex magnetic behaviors due to competing interfacial coupling and Zeeman energy.
- Interface morphology in RE/TM systems offers a tunable parameter to engineer macroscopic magnetic responses by modifying microscopic interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of interface morphology on the structure and magnetic properties of Gd/Co multilayers.
- To understand the magnetization reversal mechanisms across the compensation temperature (T_comp) in these engineered heterostructures.
Main Methods:
- Controlled annealing of Gd/Co multilayer at 573 K under vacuum to tune interface morphology.
- Combination of experimental techniques and one-dimensional spin-based model calculations.
- Analysis of magnetic structure and magnetization reversal mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Annealing-induced changes in interface morphology strongly influence the macroscopic magnetic properties of Gd/Co multilayers.
- A strong interface-dependent coupling was observed, affecting the system's behavior across T_comp.
- Formation of a helical magnetic structure with a 2π domain wall below T_comp was confirmed by calculations.
Conclusions:
- Interface morphology is a critical factor in controlling the magnetic properties of RE/TM heterostructures.
- The findings provide insights into the physics governing all-optical switching and related advanced magnetic applications.
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