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Using structural phase transitions to enhance the coercivity of ferromagnetic films
Ryan F Need1,2, Josh Lauzier3, Logan Sutton3
1NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA.
APL Materials
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to tune magnetic coercivity using structural phase transitions. This technique could improve heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) technologies by enabling efficient magnetic data storage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) requires precise control of magnetic media properties.
- Current HAMR methods need high temperatures, causing heat issues and limiting recording speeds.
- Optimizing magnetic coercivity is crucial for efficient data storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel mechanism for tuning ferromagnetic coercivity using structural phase transitions.
- To demonstrate this mechanism in Ni/FeRh bilayers for potential HAMR applications.
Main Methods:
- Investigated Ni/FeRh bilayers with Ni deposited at different temperatures relative to the FeRh metamagnetic transition.
- Analyzed the effect of FeRh's structural phase transition on Ni's crystallographic texture and coercivity.
- Utilized domain wall pinning theory to explain the observed coercivity changes.
Main Results:
- A 500% increase in coercivity was observed upon cooling through the FeRh metamagnetic transition when Ni was grown at high temperatures.
- The FeRh lattice expansion significantly altered Ni's crystallographic texture, influencing coercivity.
- Coercivity tuning was achieved over small temperature ranges via structural coupling.
Conclusions:
- Thermally tuning ferromagnetic coercivity through structural coupling is a promising approach.
- This method could simplify heatsink designs for HAMR devices.
- It expands the range of materials suitable for advanced magnetic recording technologies.
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