Spiral magnetic structure in Heisenberg and non-Heisenberg magnets

The possibility of forming a modulated (spiral) magnetic structure in anisotropic Heisenberg and non-Heisenberg magnets with a frustrated Heisenberg exchange interaction has been investigated. It has been demonstrated that, apart from homogeneous (ferromagnetic and quadrupole) states, the Heisenberg magnets with a strong easy-plane anisotropy can have a spiral magnetic structure. The axis of the spiral coincides with the direction of the external magnetic field. The inclusion of the biquadratic exchange interaction leads to a narrowing of the magnetic field region of the existence of the spiral structure. In the absence of the external magnetic field, the spiral structure can be formed only in the case of easy-axis anisotropy.     

Comparative study between a two-dimensional anisotropic Heisenberg antiferromagnet with easy-axis single-ion anisotropy and one with easy-axis exchange anisotropy

Generally, in literature, easy-axis single ion anisotropy and easy-axis exchange anisotropy was treated in indistinct way. In this work we propose to perform a comparative study of the effects of these two easy-axis anisotropies on the behavior of the magnetization and the critical temperature (_Tc)$(T_{\mathrm{c}})$ in the 2D classical Heisenberg antiferromagnetic model. In order to study the low-temperature thermodynamics of this model, we should consider the contribution of anisotropic spin waves, using a self-consistent harmonic approximation (SCHA) theory. We compare the predictions of SCHA with numerical simulations on L×L$L\times L$ square lattices using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, which include effects due to all thermodynamically allowed excitations. Our SCHA results are in good agreement with our MC simulations results and have shown that the strong K$K$ limit gives two different Ising-like behavior. In the exchange anisotropic case, the dependence of _Tc$T_{\mathrm{c}}$ on anisotropic parameter K$K$ becomes linear and in the single-ion anisotropic case, _Tc$T_{\mathrm{c}}$ becomes independent of K$K$. Also, using MC simulations and finite size scaling, we show that the critical exponents in the two anisotropic case are compatible with the 2D Ising values α=0.125$\alpha =0.125$ and γ=1.75$\gamma =1.75$.     

Quantum magnets with large single-ion easy-plane anisotropy in magnetic field

We propose a theory describing low-temperature properties of magnets with integer spin and large single-ion easy-plane anisotropy D in magnetic field H directed parallel to the hard axis. Considering the exchange interaction between spins as a perturbation and using the bosonic spin representation proposed in our recent paper [1] we find thermal corrections to the elementary excitation spectrum, magnetization and specific heat in the vicinity of the quantum critical point (QCP) H = H _c1(0) ∼ D in the first nonvanishing orders of the perturbation theory. An expression is found for the boundary of the paramagnetic phase H _c1(T) in the H-T plane. The effective interaction between bosons is derived near the QCP. The proposed theory describes well experimental data obtained in NiCl₂-4SC(NH₂)₂ (DTN).     

Dynamical toroidal Hopfions in a ferromagnet with easy-axis anisotropy

Three-dimensional toroidal precession solitons with a nonzero Hopf index, which uniformly move along the anisotropy axis in a uniaxial ferromagnet, have been found. The structure and existence region of the solitons have been numerically determined by solving the Landau-Lifshitz equation.     

Zero-temperature magnetic transition in an easy-axis Kondo lattice model

We address the quantum transition of a spin-1/2 antiferromagnetic Kondo lattice model with an easy-axis anisotropy using the extended dynamical mean field theory. We derive results in real frequency by using the bosonic numerical renormalization group (BNRG) method and compare them with quantum Monte Carlo results in Matsubara frequency. The BNRG results show a logarithmic divergence in the critical local spin susceptibility, signaling a destruction of Kondo screening. The T=0 transition is consistent with being second order. The BNRG results also display some subtle features; we identify their origin and suggest means for further microscopic studies.     

Spiral magnetic configuration in a thin film with biaxial anisotropy

The conditions for the existence of a spiral magnetic configuration are determined for a thin ferromagnetic film with biaxial anisotropy.     

Spin nematic states in spin-1 antiferromagnets with easy-axis anisotropy

It is well known that spin nematic phases can appear in either frustrated magnets or in those described by Hamiltonians with large exotic non-Heisenberg terms like biquadratic exchange. We show in the present study that non-frustrated spin-1 1D, 2D, and 3D antiferromagnets with single-ion easy-axis anisotropy can show nematic phases in strong magnetic field. For 1D case we support our analytical results by numerical ones.     

Displacive magnetic phase transitions upon spin ordering in magnets with strong single-ion anisotropy

Physics of the Solid State - This paper reports on the results of investigations into the magnetic ordering of magnets with integer spins of ions and sufficiently strong easy-plane single-ion...     

Magnetic phase transition in Heisenberg antiferromagnetic films with easy-axis single-ion anisotropy

The staggered susceptibility of spin-1 and spin-3/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet with easy-axis single-ion anisotropy on the cubic lattice films consisting of n=2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 interacting square lattice layers is studied by high-temperature series expansions. Sixth order series in J/k_BT have been obtained for free-surface boundary conditions. The dependence of the Néel temperature on film thickness n and easy-axis anisotropy D has been investigated. The shifts of the Néel temperature from the bulk value can be described by a power law n^−λ with a shift exponent λ, where λ is the inverse of the bulk correlation length exponent. The effect of easy-axis single-ion anisotropy on shift exponent of antiferromagnetic films has been studied. A comparison is made with related works. The results obtained are qualitatively consistent with the predictions of finite-size scaling theory.     

Spiral patterns in magnets

An autowave model of the spiral pattern formation in magnets located in a rotating magnetic field is proposed. The model is based on the overdamped double sine-Gordon equation. Nucleation of spiral domains is associated with the averaged motion of domain walls in the rotating field. A vortex-type defect (Bloch line) is the core of the spiral.     

Temperature dependent magnetic anisotropy in metallic magnets from an ab initio electronic structure theory: L1(0)-ordered FePt

Using a first-principles, relativistic electronic structure theory of finite temperature metallic magnetism, we investigate the variation of magnetic anisotropy K with magnetization M in metallic ferromagnets. We apply the theory to the high uniaxial K material, L1(0)-ordered FePt, and find its magnetic easy axis perpendicular to the Fe/Pt layers for all M and K to be proportional to M2 for a broad range of values of M. For small M, near the Curie temperature, the calculations pick out the easy axis for the onset of magnetic order. Our ab initio results for this important magnetic material agree well with recent experimental measurements, whereas the single-ion anisotropy model fails to give the correct qualitative behavior.     

Phase transitions in 2D and 3D non-Heisenberg ferromagnets with temperature-dependent anisotropy

A model of a non-Heisenberg ferromagnet is considered in which the single-ion anisotropy constant is linearly dependent on temperature. The conditions are found under which phase transitions occur in 2D and 3D non-Heisenberg ferromagnets as the temperature is varied. It is shown that, in the case where the biquadratic interaction is dominant, quadrupole states can occur in the system, which are specified by the orientation of the quadrupole moment. As the temperature is varied, a phase transition between quadrupole states can occur in 2D magnets. Depending on the ratios between the material constants, this transition can be either a second-order phase transition with the continuously changing orientation of the principal axes of the quadrupole moment tensor or a first-order phase transition with hysteresis through a state with a nonhomogeneous distribution of the principal axes of the quadrupole moment tensor. In 3D magnets, the phase transition between quadrupole states is of the first order with hysteresis. Phase diagrams of the system are constructed.     

Dynamic and static properties of a non-Heisenberg magnet with complex interion anisotropy

The influence of the anisotropic exchange interaction on the phase states of a non-Heisenberg ferromagnet with a magnetic-ion spin S = 1 is studied. It is shown that, depending on the relationships between the parameters of anisotropic exchange interaction and their signs, either a biaxial non-Heisenberg magnet or an Ising magnet are realized in the system. Dynamic properties of the system near orientational phase transitions and transitions in the absolute value of the magnetic moment are studied. Phase diagrams of the system for different relationships between constitutive parameters are plotted.     

Spiral structures in helicoidal magnets

The structure and properties of two-dimensional spiral textures in helical ferromagnets are studied. The existence of novel types of periodic structures, namely, of spiral lattices, is predicted for these magnetic systems.     

Complex domain structure in a magnetic film with oblique anisotropy

Analytical formulas have been derived to calculate the distortion of the stripe domain structure in a ferromagnetic film under the action of a bubble domain formed in this film. On the basis of the formulas obtained, an experimentally obtained domain configuration has been calculated. The results of the calculation coincide with the observation data within the experimental error.     

Phase transitions in random anisotropy magnets

We report a study of magnetic properties and phase transitions in random anisotropy glasses rich in the rare-earth elements Gd, Tb and Nd. For the Gd glass, which has a small magnetic anisotropy, we find an extremely large, possibly infinite, susceptibility below 120 K and no intrinsic spontaneous magnetization. Below 55 K an hysteretic state develops. The Tb and Nd glasses, both of which have large anisotropy, exhibit transitions to a speromagneic state and they do not show an infinite susceptibility phase. The results are discussed in terms of recent theoretical predictions concerning phase transitions in the presence of random magnetic anisotropy.     

Crystallographic anisotropy and distortions in helicoidal magnetic structure

The appearance and development of aperiodic distortions in a helicoidal, layered magnetic structure with increasing crystallographic magnetic anisotropy in the magnetization rotation plane have been theoretically studied. A simple phase diagram for this system is proposed. It is established that, at a weak anisotropy, the spiral splits into regions of various lengths with an approximately uniform rotation of the magnetization in each region and a deviation from uniformity at the boundaries; the stronger the anisotropy, the shorter the regions and the greater the deviations. In the limit of high anisotropy, the minimum energy of the system corresponds (depending on the ratio of interlayer exchange integrals J ₁ and J ₂) to either a spiral with constant angular pitch (a multiple of the angle between easy axes) or a double antiferromagnetic structure with a four-layer period. In the case of sixth-order anisotropy with |J ₁| = −J ₂, the energies of phases with different periods (four and six layers for J ₁ > 0; four and three layers for J ₁ < 0) coincide and the excess boundary energy vanishes. In the case of a fourth- and second-order anisotropy, the analogous anomalies appear at |J ₁| = −2J ₂. As a result, the magnetic structure at these points becomes unstable and the phase diagram exhibits the corresponding singularities.     

Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in FePt/AlN layered structure

FePt/AlN layered structures were deposited onto fused quartz substrate by magnetron sputtering method and found to show in-plane anisotropy. However, annealing of the films leads to a transition of magnetic anisotropy from in-plane to perpendicular direction, and the perpendicular anisotropy gets stronger as the annealing temperature increases. Structural analysis shows that the FePt and AlN layers are textured with (111) and (002) orientations, respectively, along the film normal, and no ordering transformation is found for FePt alloy. To study the origin of the developed anisotropy, stress condition was analyzed with an equal biaxial stress model using X-ray diffraction 2θ–ω scan method and interface quality was evaluated by X-ray reflectivity measurement and transmission electron microscopy observation. The results reveal that perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of the annealed FePt/AlN layered structure can be attributed to the enhanced interface anisotropy, which is due to flattening of the interfaces through annealing.     

Influence of anisotropy constants of higher order on the magnetic reversal of uniaxial magnets

Within the framework of a simple model in which only homogeneous states of magnetization are considered, the influence of the constants of magnetic crystallographic anisotropy of higher order on the critical field of domain formation and the hysteresis loops of uniaxial magnets is investigated. It is shown that the critical field depends strongly on both the sign of K₁ and on the ratio of the magnitudes and signs of K₂/K₁ and K₃/K₁. On the basis of stability analysis for the free energy, hysteresis loops of uniaxial magnets as a function of K_i are calculated.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 4, pp. 39–43, April, 1990.     

The sandwich domain structure in a Fe-based amorphous ribbon with uniaxial magnetic anisotropy

The formation and motion of two domain walls parallel to the ribbon surface are discovered during its dynamic magnetic reversal. The domain walls form near by the middle plane of a ribbon and move to its opposite main surfaces with different velocities.