Combined effect of demagnetizing field and induced magnetic anisotropy on the magnetic properties of manganese-zinc ferrite composites

This work is devoted to the analysis of factors responsible for the high-frequency shift of the complex permeability (μ^?) dispersion region in polymer composites of manganese-zinc (MnZn) ferrite, as well as to the increase in their thermomagnetic stability. The magnetic spectra of the ferrite and its composites with polyurethane (MnZn-PU) and polyaniline (MnZn-PANI) are measured in the frequency range from 1 MHz to 3 GHz in a longitudinal magnetization field of up to 700 Ое and in the temperature interval from −20 °С to +150 °С. The approximation of the magnetic spectra by a model, which takes into account the role of domain wall motion and magnetization rotation, allows one to determine the specific contribution of resonance processes associated with domain wall motion and the natural ferromagnetic resonance to the μ^?. It is established that, at high frequencies, the μ^? of the MnZn ferrite is determined solely by magnetization rotation, which occurs in the region of natural ferromagnetic resonance when the ferrite is in the “single domain” state. In the polymer composites of the MnZn ferrite, the high-frequency permeability is also determined mainly by the magnetization rotation; however, up to high values of magnetizing fields, there is a contribution of domain wall motion, thus the “single domain” state in ferrite is not reached. The frequency and temperature dependence of μ^? in polymer composites are governed by demagnetizing field and the induced magnetic anisotropy. The contribution of the induced magnetic anisotropy is crucial for MnZn-PANI. It is attributed to the elastic stresses that arise due to the domain wall pinning by a polyaniline film adsorbed on the surface of the ferrite during in-situ polymerization.     

Magnetic domain observations in Fe-Ga alloys

The domain structure of Fe-Ga bulk alloys is investigated with magnetic force (MFM) and magneto-optic Kerr microscopy. Published domain observations on this class of materials predominantly reveal maze-like domain patterns that indicate out-of-plane magnetization, i.e. out-of-plane anisotropy. Contrary to the belief that this anisotropy is due to the presence of nanoscale heterogeneities [1] and [2] (Bai et al., 2005, 2009), we show that it is due to a damaged surface layer caused by standard mechanical polishing. The surface conditions in Fe-Ga alloys are more sensitive to stress-induced damage than in pure α-Fe. This is explained as being due to increased magnetostriction. We demonstrate that the damaged surface layer can be removed with an additional polishing step using colloidal amorphous silica. On (0 0 1) bulk crystal surfaces, the domain structures, obtained after the removal of the damaged surface layer, reveal in-plane magnetization with sharp and straight 90° and 180° domain walls that are expected in these alloys.     

Direct observation of magnetization reversal of epitaxial MnAs films

The magnetization reversal of MnAs epitaxial films on GaAs (0 0 1) substrates was investigated using a Kerr microscope. The direct observation of the change in domain structure under magnetic fields revealed characteristic magnetization reversal process of MnAs films with a ladder-type domain structure. The nucleus of the magnetization reversal region appears and propagates to neighboring α-MnAs lines, and then the ladder-type structures cover all over the surface. Finally the domain wall displacement occurs to expand the domain. The change in magnetic domain reflects the characteristic ridge/groove structures of MnAs films.     

Behavior of antiferromagnetic MnCoSi in a magnetic field under pressure

Experimental data on magnetization of the antiferromagnetic (AFM) polycrystalline samples in the temperature range of 20-300 K, for pressures of 2 kbar and in magnetic field of 300 kOe, are presented in the paper. In the fields of 250 kOe, the magnetization curve demonstrates a jump explained by exchange-interaction sign change. In the region of 50-70 kOe, on the differential susceptibility versus magnetic field curve, there is a break of the 2nd order corresponding to the anomalous behavior of the magnetization. The obtained results were processed on the basis of the phenomenological Landau theory. It is shown that the ferromagnetic vector occurrence is forced during the formation of AFM spiral structure. The behavior of thermodynamic potential factors has been determined. Three more anomalies have been revealed and explained by a jump-like magnetization change of the Co-subsystem.     

Magnetization of epitaxial MnGe alloys on Ge(1 1 1) substrates

The structural and magnetic properties of an Mn rich solid phase epitaxy Mn_xGe_1−x alloy grown on a clean 2 × 8-Ge(1 1 1) surface, with a Curie temperature of about 300 K are investigated. Magneto-optical  Kerr effect infers the existence of in-plane easy magnetization direction. We describe the epitaxial registry condition, the room temperature—zero field magnetic structure observed by magnetic force microscopy and the magneto-optical properties. The observations are consistent with the formation of epitaxial Mn₅Ge₃ alloy, with a modulated magnetic structure characterized by asymmetric 180° Bloch walls consisting of a vortex-like configuration of the local magnetization.     

Needle-like domain structure in Co films deposited on Mo (1 1 0)

Magnetization reversal processes and domain structures have been studied in Mo(1 1 0)/Co(0 0 0 1)/Au(1 1 1) structures grown by molecular beam epitaxy on monocrystalline (11–20) sapphire substrates. Wedge-shaped samples with different Co thickness gradients relative to the Mo [0 0 1] direction were fabricated. Observation of the domain structure was performed at room temperature using Kerr microscopy in a Co thickness range varying from 5 to 50 nm, where the magnetization is oriented in the plane of the sample. A Co thickness-dependent coercivity field was determined through analysis of the domain wall position during the reversal process. A preferential orientation of magnetic domain walls was found, with the domains being needle-like. The orientation, as well as the size of the needles, depends on the Co thickness and the orientation of the magnetic field applied in the sample plane.     

Dependence of magnetic characteristics on sputtering-power and substrate-temperature in amorphous Tb40(FeCoV)60 films

The amorphous Tb₄₀(Fe₄₉Co₄₉V₂)₆₀ films were deposited at different sputtering powers and substrate temperatures. The microstructural and magnetic characteristics were investigated by means of field emission scan electron microscope, magnetic force microscope and vibrating sample magnetometer. Our results show that with increasing sputtering power, out-of-plane coercivity decreases monotonically while saturation magnetization has a maximum value of 231 kA/m for the sample prepared at 50 W. The as-deposited alloy films are amorphous, whereas the coercivity and saturation magnetization are strongly dependent on the substrate temperature. An out-of-plane hysteresis loop with coercivity below 22 mT and saturation magnetization over 290 kA/m is obtained combining dc power and substrate temperature. The dominant mechanism of room temperature coercivity appears to be domain wall pinning, rather than nucleation under all conditions measured. The variation of saturation magnetization is similar to that of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy with either sputtering power or substrate temperature according to the difference of magnetic domain structure.     

Easy axis reorientation and magneto-crystalline anisotropic resistance of tensile strained (Ga,Mn)As films

We present a study of magnetic anisotropy by using magneto-transport and direct magnetization measurements on tensile strained (Ga,Mn)As films. The magnetic easy axis of the films is in-plane at low temperatures, while the easy axis flips to out-of-plane when temperature is raised or hole concentration is increased. This easy axis reorientation is explained qualitatively in a simple physical picture by Zener’s p-d model. In addition, the magneto-crystalline anisotropic resistance was also investigated experimentally and theoretically based on the single magnetic domain model. The dependence of sheet resistance on the angle between the magnetic field and [1 0 0] direction was measured. It is found that the magnetization vector M in the single-domain state deviates from the external magnetic field H direction at low magnetic field, while for high magnetic field, M continuously moves following the field direction, which leads to different resistivity function behaviors.     

Magnetocaloric properties of LaFe13−x−yCoxSiy and commercial grade Gd

The magnetocaloric properties of three samples of LaFe_13−x−yCo_xSi_y have been measured and compared to measurements of commercial grade Gd. The samples have (x=0.86, y=1.08), (x=0.94, y=1.01) and (x=0.97, y=1.07) yielding Curie temperatures in the range 276-288 K. The magnetization, specific heat capacity and adiabatic temperature change have been measured over a broad temperature interval. Importantly, all measurements were corrected for demagnetization, allowing the data to be directly compared. In an internal field of 1 T the maximum specific entropy changes were 6.2, 5.1 and 5.0 J/kg K, the specific heat capacities were 910, 840 and 835 J/kg K and the adiabatic temperature changes were 2.3, 2.1 and 2.1 K for the three LaFeCoSi samples respectively. For Gd in an internal field of 1 T the maximum specific entropy change was 3.1 J/kg K, the specific heat capacity was 340 J/kg K and the adiabatic temperature change was 3.3 K. The adiabatic temperature change was also calculated from the measured values of the specific heat capacity and specific magnetization and compared to the directly measured values. In general an excellent agreement was seen.     

Direct observation of dendritic domain growth in perpendicular magnetic anisotropy CoFe/Pt multilayers

We present the experimental results on thermally activated magnetization reversal for [Co_0.9Fe_0.1(5.0 Å)/Pt(20 Å)]₄ multilayer. Direct domain observations show that magnetization reversal is initiated with rare nucleation and followed by dendritic growth of domain walls. Based on macroscopic magnetic parameters from experimental data, the dendritic domain growth mode is qualitatively interpreted by Monte Carlo simulations in terms of a simple uniaxial magnetic anisotropy model. Moreover, both time evolution of domain growth observation and magnetic relaxation measurements reveal that CoFe/Pt multilayer has a relatively large activation volume compared with Co/Pt multilayers.     

Competing magnetoresistance contributions in sputtered FePt thin films

Fe-Pt thin films were deposited by rf sputtering on an MgO substrate heated at different temperatures to induce the formation of the perpendicular Fe-Pt L1₀ phase with a different grain morphology on the nanometer scale. All films are characterized by a mazelike pattern of FePt nanograins with interconnected bases. MFM images and magnetization curves indicate that all samples have a strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy arising from (0 0 1) growth. The temperature behaviour of the electrical resistance indicates that a percolating path exists for conduction electrons in the mazelike pattern. The magnetoresistance was measured as a function of magnetic field (applied longitudinally) and temperature in the ranges −70 kOe<H<+70 kOe and 4 K<T<150 K, respectively. All samples display a complex behaviour of the electrical resistance as a function of applied field. The role of the different magnetoresistance effects (both intrinsic and extrinsic) measured in these FePt thin films is elucidated.     

Magnetic properties of the intermetallic compound Ce5Ge4

Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of the compound Ce₅Ge₄ have been studied. This compound has orthorhombic Sm₅Ge₄-type structure (space group Pnma, no. 62) and orders ferromagnetically at ~12 K (T_C). The paramagnetic Curie temperature is ~−20 K suggesting the presence of competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions in this compound. The magnetization does not seem to saturate even in fields of 90 kOe at 3 K consistent with the presence of competing interactions. Saturation magnetization value (extrapolated to 1/H→0) of only 0.8μ_B/Ce³⁺ is obtained compared to the free ion value of 2.14μ_B/Ce³⁺. This moment reduction in the ordered state of Ce₅Ge₄ could be due to partial antiferromagnetic/paramagnetic ordering of the Ce moments and may also be due to crystalline electric field effects. Magnetic entropy change near T_C, calculated from the magnetization vs. field data, is found to be moderate with a maximum value of ~9 J/kg/K at ~11 K for a field change of 90 kOe.     

Movement of liquid gallium dispersing low concentration of temperature sensitive magnetic particles under magnetic field

In this work, a temperature sensitive functional fluid was synthesized, and then its movement under the influence of magnetic field was investigated. Silica coated FeNbVB particles, prepared by chemical synthesis, were dispersed into liquid gallium, because they have a relatively high magnetization and a high temperature dependency. The synthesized functional fluid (solid fraction of 0.3 mass%) showed temperature dependence for magnetization within the testing temperature range between 298 and 353 K. The movement of gallium based fluid under the influence of the magnetic field with a magnetic field gradient was observed at various temperatures. We found that at 318 K, fluid displacement of the synthesized functional fluid is better when compared with the fluid displacement at 348 K.     

Study of domain structure and magnetization reversal after thermal treatments in Fe40Co38Mo4B18 microwires

We have studied the effect of thermal treatment on the magnetic domain structure and magnetic reversal process of amorphous and nanocrystalline Fe₄₀Co₃₈Mo₄B₁₈ microwires. The domain structure and the magnetization reversal of amorphous FeCoMoB microwires reflect the complex stress distribution introduced by the glass coating. Hence, the thickness of radial domain structure decreases with temperature and the temperature dependence of the switching field presents a discontinuous behavior. After nanocrystallization, the domain structure of FeCoMoB microwire is almost constant within the temperature range 10-400 K and the switching field decreases almost linearly with temperature mostly because of the decrease of saturation magnetization.     

Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of R6Mn23 (R=Y, Nd, Sm, Gd-Tm, Lu) compounds

The magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of the R₆Mn₂₃ compounds (R=Y, Nd, Sm, Gd-Tm, Lu) are investigated from DC magnetization measurements. The results are analyzed and discussed in connection with previously published data. These binaries crystallize in the cubic Th₆Mn₂₃ type of structure (Fm-3m). The Mn sublattice orders at high temperature (398 K≤T_C≤505 K) with a collinear ferrimagnetic structure. The R sublattice orders at lower temperature (<100 K) with a non-collinear arrangement. By opposition with the usual behaviour in intermetallics, light rare-earth compounds (R=Nd and Sm) have a lower ground state magnetization than the heavy rare-earth compounds (R=Gd-Tm). This manifests in their magnetocaloric response near the R ordering temperature: the compounds with R=Gd-Tm display a normal magnetocaloric effect of moderate magnitude (<50 mJ cm⁻³ K⁻¹ for a field variation of 5 T) while those with R=Nd and Sm present an inverse magnetocaloric effect of weaker magnitude. The potential interest of these phases for cooling applications is briefly discussed.     

Anomalous magnetization processes and non-symmetrical domain wall displacements in L10 FePt particulate films

Anomalous magnetization processes and non-symmetrical domain wall displacements in the minor loop of L1₀ FePt particulate films were investigated by magnetization measurements and in situ magnetic force microscopy. Magnetization (M) decreases dramatically on increasing the magnetic field to ∼3 kOe after which M becomes small and constant in the range of 5–20 kOe as observed in the successive measurement of minor loops. The domain wall displacement is non-symmetrical with respect to the field direction. The anomalous magnetization behavior was attributed to the non-symmetrical domain wall displacement and large magnetic field required for domain wall nucleation. Energy calculations from modeling suggest that non-symmetrical domain wall displacement is caused by the existence of metastable domains in which the domain edges are stuck to the particle boundaries.     

Magnetic properties of ErN films

We report a magnetization study of stoichiometric ErN nanocrystalline films grown on Si and protected by a GaN passivating layer. According to the temperature dependence of the resistivity the films are heavily doped semiconductors. Above 100 K the magnetization data fit well to a Curie-Weiss behavior with a moment expected within the free-ion Er³⁺ multiplet. Below 50 K the Curie-Weiss plot steepens to an effective moment corresponding to that in the crystal-field determined quartet ground state, and develops a clear paramagnetic Curie-Weiss temperature of about 4.5 K. Zero-field- and field-cooled magnetization curves and the AC susceptibility firmly establish a ferromagnetic ground state within that multiplet below a Curie temperature of . Due to the (1 1 1) texture of the film the comparison between the magnetization behavior, when the field is applied parallel and perpendicular to the film plane, gives new information about the magnetic structure. An arrangement of the moments according to the model derived from neutron diffraction for bulk HoN is strongly suggested.     

Investigation of the pressure and temperature dependence of the intrinsic magnetic properties of YCo4Ge

The YCo₄Ge intrinsic magnetic properties; such as the saturation magnetization and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy parameters; are determined at 5, 100, 200 and 300 K from a fit of the isothermal magnetization curves measured in applied field up to 10 T. Ge for Co substitution induces a reduction of the first order anisotropy parameter as well as of the uniaxial anisotropy field. At 4 K an anisotropy field of 5.8 T is obtained, whereas a value of that is observed at room temperature. The magnetocrystalline anisotropy found for YCo₄Ge is significantly reduced upon heating from 4 to 300 K. The investigation of the magnetic properties of YCo₄Ge in both the ordered and the paramagnetic phases shows that this YCo₄Ge compound exhibits a typical itinerant ferromagnetic behavior. The effect of applied pressure on the isothermal magnetization has been investigated showing that the volume has an important influence on the magnetization of YCo₄Ge. The influence of the Ge for Co substitution on the Co-Co exchange interaction is also discussed. The results are compared and commented on in the light of earlier reports for YCo₅ and other Co containing phases.     

Comparison of frequency,field, and time domain ferromagnetic resonance methods

We present vector network analyzer ferromagnetic resonance measurements of epitaxial Fe films having a thickness of 16 monolayers. Our objective is to test the reliability of this novel frequency domain technique with respect to frequency and damping. For this purpose we compare vector network analyzer ferromagnetic resonance to pulsed inductive microwave magnetometry, time resolved magneto-optic Kerr effect (both methods in the time domain), and conventional ferromagnetic resonance (measured in the field domain) in terms of position and width of the ferromagnetic resonance. In addition, we compare the various techniques with respect to the signal to noise ratio of the raw data. All data is obtained using the same well characterized ultrathin magnetic Fe/GaAs (0 0 1) film. Finally, we demonstrate the potential of the vector network analyzer ferromagnetic resonance technique for the investigation of nano-structured magnetic elements having nonuniform magnetization configuration. The absorption spectrum of Permalloy disks with a diameter of 200 nm and a thickness of 15 nm shows up to eight distinct resonance peaks. The spatial structure of the corresponding modes was derived from numerical calculations and reveals that azimuthal modes up to the fifth order have been observed inductively.     

Effect of a high magnetic field on the morphology and magnetic properties of the MnBi compound during the Mn1.08Bi-MnBi phase transformation process

Effect of a 10 T high magnetic field on the morphology and magnetic properties of the MnBi compounds during the Mn_1.08Bi-MnBi phase transformation has been investigated. Results indicate that the field has split the MnBi crystal along the (0 0 1)-crystal plane during the Mn_1.08Bi-MnBi phase transformation process and the split MnBi crystals align and aggregate along the magnetic field direction. Along with the change of the MnBi phase morphology, the magnetic property changes greatly. Indeed, with the alignment and aggregation of the spit MnBi phases, the saturation magnetization M_s and the magnetic susceptibility χ increase, and the coercive field H_c and the remnant magnetization M_r decrease. This implies that a high magnetic field may have caused the magnetic property of the MnBi phase to transform towards soft magnetism. Above results may be attributed to the enhancement of the magnetization and the Mn_1.08Bi-MnBi phase transformation in a high magnetic field.