Microscopic origin of asymmetric magnetization reversal of Co/Pt multilayers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

We have comprehensively investigated asymmetric magnetization reversal behaviors of (x-Å Co/7.7 Å Pt)₅ multilayers (x = 3.1 and 4.7) with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Our direct observation of magnetic domain structures by means of magneto-optical microscopy reveals that the asymmetry arises both from nucleation and wall-motion processes. An asymmetric nucleation behavior is observed, which could be originated from the preexisting non-reversed domains which might have a reproducible or random spatial distribution, controllable by tuning the field profile. An asymmetric wall-motion behavior stemming from asymmetric stripe domain evolution is also observed.     

Magnetic field dependence of asymmetry in the magnetization reversal of ultrathin Co films and Co/Pt multilayers with perpendicular anisotropy

We studied the magnetization reversal in ultrathin [Co/Pt]_n films (n=1, 2, and 4) using magneto-optical Kerr microscopy. These materials demonstrate unusual asymmetries in the activity of nucleation centers and domain wall motion. It was found that application of very high holding magnetic field prior to magnetization reversal, exceeding some critical value much larger than the apparent saturation field, suppresses the subsequent ‘asymmetric’ nucleation centers, activity. We revealed that the ‘asymmetric’ nucleation centers become active again after subsequent reversal cycles coming from a smaller holding field and studied how the asymmetry returns with the decrease of applied holding field. It was found that in low-coercivity ultrathin Co films, the asymmetry in domain wall velocity decreased sharply with the applied field increase and disappeared when the reversal field is greater than μ₀H=1.5 mT.     

Structural and magnetic properties of Pt in Co/Pt multilayers

[Co(30 Å)/Pt(x Å)]₂₀ multilayers with the Pt layer thicknesses varying from 5 Å to 20 Å were characterized structurally by high angle X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectivity, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and magnetically by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism. It is found that the structure and magnetic properties of Pt have a strong correlation with the Pt layer thickness. The 20 Å thickness Pt layer is not almost influenced by the adjacent Co layer and the nearest neighbors are dominated by Pt-Pt shells. With decreasing Pt layer thickness, the nearest neighbors are gradually dominated by Pt-Co shells and the Pt-Co intermixing regions also remarkable increase at the interfaces, especially for the 5 Å thickness Pt layer. The orbital and spin magnetic moments as well as the ratio m_orb/m_spin all decrease systematically with increasing Pt layer thickness, indicating that the interface atoms are polarized by direct Pt-Co hybridization, but that the adjacent layers are polarized by Pt-Pt interactions.     

In-plane current-induced magnetization reversal of Pd/CoZr/MgO magnetic multilayers

High critical current density ($> 10^{6}$ A/cm$^{2})$ is one of major obstacles to realize practical applications of the current-driven magnetization reversal devices. In this work, we successfully prepared Pd/CoZr(3.5 nm)/MgO thin films with large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and demonstrated a way of reducing the critical current density with a low out-of-plane magnetic field in the Pd/CoZr/MgO stack. Under the assistance of an out-of-plane magnetic field, the magnetization can be fully reversed with a current density of about 10$^{4}$ A/cm$^{2}$. The magnetization reversal is attributed to the combined effect of the out-of-plane magnetic field and the current-induced spin-orbital torque. It is found that the current-driven magnetization reversal is highly relevant to the temperature owing to the varied spin-orbital torque, and the current-driven magnetization reversal will be more efficient in low-temperature range, while the magnetic field is helpful for the magnetization reversal in high-temperature range.     

Influence of Pt thickness on magnetization reversal processes in (Pt/Co)3 multilayers with perpendicular anisotropy

We present a detailed study of the magnetization reversal in perpendicularly magnetized (Pt/Co)₃ multilayers with different values of the platinum interlayer thickness t_Pt. To study the magnetization reversal in our samples we combined measurements of relaxation curves with the direct visualization of domain structures. Magnetization reversal was dominated by domain wall propagation for t_Pt=1 nm and by domain nucleation for t_Pt=0.2 nm, while a mixed process was observed for t_Pt=0.8 nm. We interpret our results within the framework of a model of thermally activated reversal where a distribution of activation energy barriers is taken into account. The reversal process was correlated with the energy barrier distribution.     

Magnetization reversal and domains structures in (Co/Ni/Co/Pt) multilayers

Multilayers of [Co/Ni(t_Ni)/Co/Pt]_×4 are investigated for different Ni insertion layer thicknesses. The resulting magnetic properties and magnetic domain structures are compared with [Co/Ni]_×8 multilayers. As determined by magneto-optical Kerr effect microscopy and a vibrating sample magnetometer measurements, all multilayers exhibited a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. It is found that the nucleation field and magnetic coercivity of [Co/Ni(t)/Co/Pt]_×4 multilayers are lower than (Co/Ni)_×8 and decreased with Ni thickness. Magnetization decay measurements reveal that these multilayers did not show an exponential decay behavior as was observed in rare earth transition metal alloys. Very narrow wires will remain stables for several hours even with an applied magnetic field closer to the coercivity. Insertion of very thin Ni in (Co/Pt) multilayers offers a good way to optimize the magnetic properties of the material and adjust the domain size for nanowire-based devices.     

Current-induced magnetization reversal in high magnetic fields in Co/Cu/Co nanopillars

Current-induced magnetization dynamics in Co/Cu/Co trilayer nanopillars (approximately 100 nm in diameter) have been studied experimentally at low temperatures for large applied fields perpendicular to the layers. At 4.2 K an abrupt and hysteretic increase in resistance is observed at high current densities for one polarity of the current, comparable to the giant magnetoresistance effect observed at low fields. A micromagnetic model that includes a spin-transfer torque suggests that the current induces a complete reversal of the thin Co layer to alignment antiparallel to the applied field--that is, to a state of maximum magnetic energy.     

Competition between domain walls and the reverse magnetization in the magnetic relaxation of a Pt/Co/Ir/Co/Pt spin switcher

A multilayer Pt/Co/Ir/Co/Pt/GaAs heterostructures demonstrates a long term (to several hours) magnetic relaxation between two stable states of the magnetization of the system. The magnetization reversal of the heterostructure layers occurs both due to the formation of nuclei of the reverse magnetization domains and as a result of their further growth by means of motion of domain walls. The competition between two these processes provides a nonexponential character of the magnetic relaxation. At 300 K, the contributions of these processes to the relaxation are commensurable, while, at temperatures lower than 200 K, the contribution of the nucleation is suppressed and the magnetic relaxation occurs as a result of motion of the domain walls.     

Perpendicular exchange bias of Co/Pt multilayers

Exchange bias measurements of ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic (F/AF) bilayers are typically performed with the magnetization of the F layer parallel to the AF interface. We describe measurements of Co/Pt multilayers with out-of-plane magnetic easy axis that are exchange biased with CoO. Field-cooling experiments with the applied field perpendicular and parallel to the sample plane exhibit loop shifts and enhanced coercivities. Modeling and comparison to biasing of samples with planar easy axis suggests such measurements provide a way to probe the spin projections at F/AF interfaces.     

Ion induced modification in structural and magnetic properties of Pt/Cr/Co multilayers

This paper reports on the change in the magnetic and the structural properties of Pt/Cr/Co multilayers due to 1 MeV N⁺-ion irradiation at room temperature. We observe irradiation induced formation of the CoCrPt ternary alloy phase at a fluence of 1×10¹⁶ ions cm^?2. Phase formation is accompanied by an enhancement in the coercivity. The enhancement in the coercivity is attributed to inhomogeneous alloying and possible mixing-induced strain. These findings are explained in the light of ion beam induced recoil mixing and ionization events.     

Pt97.4Mn2.6/Co多层膜的磁性与磁光性质研究

用磁控溅射法制备了Mn含量一定、不同PtMn层厚度的Pt97.4Mn2.6/Co磁性多层膜系列,通过x射线衍射对该多层膜系列进行结构分析;测定了不同PtMn层厚度系列样品的磁滞回线、有效垂直各向异性,分析了饱和磁化强度和有效垂直各向异性变化的原因;通过测定该多层膜体系的克尔谱,分析了一定波长下克尔角随PtMn层厚度变化的规律.认为克尔角的变化是由于界面的合金化以及原子的极化减小所致.     

Thickness-dependent magnetic properties in Pt/[Co/Ni]n multilayers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

We systematically investigated the Ni and Co thickness-dependent perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) coefficient, magnetic domain structures, and magnetization dynamics of Pt(5 nm)/[Co($t_{\rm Co}$)/Ni($t_{\rm Ni}$)]$_{5}$/Pt(1 nm) multilayers by combining the four standard magnetic characterization techniques. The magnetic-related hysteresis loops obtained from the field-dependent magnetization $M$ and anomalous Hall resistivity (AHR) $\rho_{{xy}}$ showed that the two serial multilayers with $t_{\rm Co} = 0.2$ nm and 0.3 nm have the optimum PMA coefficient $K_{\rm U}$ as well as the highest coercivity $H_{\rm C}$ at the Ni thickness $t_{\rm Ni}= 0.6 $ nm. Additionally, the magnetic domain structures obtained by magneto-optic Kerr effect (MOKE) microscopy also significantly depend on the thickness and $K_{\rm U}$ of the films. Furthermore, the thickness-dependent linewidth of ferromagnetic resonance is inversely proportional to $K_{\rm U}$ and $H_{\rm C}$, indicating that inhomogeneous magnetic properties dominate the linewidth. However, the intrinsic Gilbert damping constant determined by a linear fitting of the frequency-dependent linewidth does not depend on the Ni thickness and $K_{\rm U}$. Our results could help promote the PMA [Co/Ni] multilayer applications in various spintronic and spin-orbitronic devices.     

RF magnetron sputtering induced the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy modification in Pt/Co based multilayers

We demonstrate that radio frequency(RF)magnetron sputtering technique can modify the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy(PMA)of Pt/Co/normal metal(NM)thin films.Influence of ion irradiation during RF magnetron sputtering should not be neglected and it can weaken PMA of the deposited magnetic films.The magnitude of this influence can be controlled by tuning RF magnetron sputtering deposition conditions and the upper NM layer thickness.According to the stopping and range of ions in matter(SRIM)simulation results,defects such as displacement atoms and vacancies in the deposited film will increase after the RF magnetron sputtering,which can account for the weakness of PMA.The amplitude changes of the Hall resistance and the threshold current intensity of spin orbit torque(SOT)induced magnetization switching also can be modified.Our study could be useful for controlling magnetic properties of PMA films and designing new type of SOT-based spintronic devices.     

Micromagnetic simulations of the domain structure and the magnetization reversal of Co50Ni50/Pt multilayer dots

The domain structure and the switching field of Co₅₀Ni₅₀/Pt multilayer dots, prepared by laser interference lithography, were micromagnetically simulated. The simulations were carried out with a three-dimensional simulation package, optimized for large-scale problems. The single-domain state is the lowest energy state for dots with a diameter below 75 nm. The switching field was computed by using suitable minimization techniques, and was used to analyze the effect of size, dot shape and edge defects.     

Layer-resolved magnetic moments in Ni/Pt multilayers

The magnetic moments in Ni/Pt multilayers are thoroughly studied by combining experimental and ab initio theoretical techniques. SQUID magnetometry probes the samples' magnetizations. X-ray magnetic circular dichroism separates the contribution of Ni and Pt and provides a layer-resolved magnetic moment profile for the whole system. The results are compared to band-structure calculations. Induced Pt magnetic moments localized mostly at the interface are revealed. No magnetically "dead" Ni layers are found. The magnetization per Ni volume is slightly enhanced compared to bulk NiPt alloys.     

Current-driven magnetization reversal and spin-wave excitations in Co /Cu /Co pillars

Using thin film pillars approximately 100 nm in diameter, containing two Co layers of different thicknesses separated by a Cu spacer, we examine the process by which the scattering from the ferromagnetic layers of spin-polarized currents flowing perpendicular to the layers causes controlled reversal of the moment direction in the thin Co layer. The well-defined geometry permits a quantitative analysis of this spin-transfer effect, allowing tests of competing theories for the mechanism and also new insight concerning magnetic damping. When large magnetic fields are applied, the spin-polarized current no longer fully reverses the magnetic moment, but instead stimulates spin-wave excitations.     

Effects of thermal annealing on structural and magnetic properties of thin Pt/Cr/Co multilayers

Thermal stability of thin Pt/Cr/Co multilayers and the subsequent changes in their structural, magnetic, and magneto-optical properties are reported. We observe CoCrPt ternary alloy phase formation due to annealing at temperatures about 773 K, which is accompanied by enhancement in the coercivity value. In addition, 360° domain wall superimposed on a monodomain like background has been observed in the pristine multilayer, which changes into a multidomain upon annealing at 873 K.     

Interplay of Rashba effect and spin Hall effect in perpendicular Pt/Co/MgO magnetic multilayers

The interplay of the Rashba effect and the spin Hall effect originating from current induced spin–orbit coupling was investigated in the as-deposited and annealed Pt/Co/MgO stacks with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The above two effects were analyzed based on Hall measurements under external magnetic fields longitudinal and vertical to dc current,respectively. The coercive field as a function of dc current in vertical mode with only the Rashba effect involved decreases due to thermal annealing. Meanwhile, spin orbit torques calculated from Hall resistance with only the spin Hall effect involved in the longitudinal mode decrease in the annealed sample. The experimental results prove that the bottom Pt/Co interface rather than the Co/MgO top one plays a more critical role in both Rashba effect and spin Hall effect.     

Structure and magnetic anisotropy of Fe/Pt multilayers

A series of Fe/Pt multilayers prepared by magnetron sputtering have been studied by XRD, conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) and SQUID magnetometry. The samples with individual Fe thickness of 3 Å show orientation of the magnetic moment close to perpendicular to the film plane and Curie temperatures near 350 K. Interdiffusion at the interface is manifested in a distribution of hyperfine fields.