In plane to out of plane magnetic reorientation transition in partially ordered FePd thin films

It is demonstrated that perpendicular magnetic anisotropy may be obtained with a room temperature growth process in ordered (FePd) alloys. Indeed, using atomic layer by atomic layer epitaxy, a partial chemical ordering into the L1₀ structure is obtained, with a corresponding intermediate perpendicular anisotropy (). These samples provide an appropriate template for the study of the magnetic reorientation from in plane to out of plane magnetization upon layer's thickness increase. VSM, transverse Kerr measurements and magnetic force microscopy have been used in order to determine the relevant magnetic parameters and the occurrence of the reorientation transition. Received 13 October 1998 and Received in final form 5 February 1999     

Temperature dependence of magnetic stripe domain period in ultrathin films

In ultrathin films, due to the thermal activation and temperature dependencies of the magnetic parameters, magnetization reversal processes are strongly affected by thermal effects. We analyze changes of domain periods of ultrathin cobalt and L₁₀$\mathrm{L}{1}_0$ films in a wide temperature range. With regard to the temperature dependencies of the film magnetic parameters we calculate the equilibrium stripe period as a function of temperature. It is shown that on film heating the equilibrium domain structure (DS) period decreases and at the reorientation phase transition (RPT) approaches its minimal value corresponding to the temperature independent period of the sinusoidal domain structure. Just below the RPT temperature (or thickness) the stripe domain period was found to exponentially decrease with temperature. Irreversible temperature changes of the domain period affected by coercivity are also discussed.     

Magnetic properties of field-annealed FeCo thin films

Fe₅₀Co₅₀ thin films with thickness of 30 and 4 nm have been produced by rf sputtering on glass substrates, and their surface has been observed with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM); MFM images reveal a non-null component of the magnetization perpendicular to the film plane. Selected samples have been annealed in vacuum at temperatures of 300 and 350 °C for times between 20 and 120 min, under a static magnetic field of 100 Oe. DC hysteresis loops have been measured with an alternating gradient force magnetometer (AGFM) along the direction of the field applied during annealing and orthogonally to it. Samples with a thickness of 4 nm display lower coercive fields with respect to the 30 nm thick ones. Longer annealing times affect the development of a harder magnetic phase more oriented off the film plane. The field applied during annealing induces a moderate magnetic anisotropy only on 30 nm thick films.     

Domain observation and transition from giant magnetoresistance to anisotropy magnetoresistance in Ag1−x(Ni0.8Co0.2)x granular films

A series of Ag_1−x(Ni_0.8Co_0.2)_x granular film samples were prepared using an ion-beam cosputtering technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to investigate the microstructure of these samples. The results measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) show a gradual change from superparamagnetism to ferromagnetism as x increases in these samples. Magnetoresistance was measured using a conventional four terminal method at room temperature. As x increases, a transition from giant magnetoresistance (GMR) to anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) has been observed. The stripe-type domains have been observed using magnetic force microscopy (MFM) in the high x samples, and the domains gradually disappear as x decreases. It suggests that the transition from GMR to AMR may result from intergranular interaction (not only dipolar) in the samples as x increases.     

Out-of-plane exchange bias and magnetic anisotropy in MnPd/Co multilayers

Magnetic and structural properties in [MnPd/Co]₁₀ multilayers deposited onto Si(1 1 1) substrates have been investigated. The dependences of anisotropy and exchange bias on the thicknesses of both MnPd and Co layers have been studied. In most of the samples, the out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy and both large out-of-plane and in-plane exchange biases have been observed at cryogenic temperature below the blocking temperature T_B≈240 K. With appropriate MnPd and Co thicknesses, we have obtained samples with a large out-of-plane exchange bias along with a large out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy. The origin of the out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy in the samples has been suggested to be due to the formation of CoPd interfacial alloys which have tensile in-plane strains, while the spin structure of the antiferromagnetic layer at the interface which is believed to be responsible for exchange bias may be the same as that of the bulk material. Also, the present study shows that the interplay between the out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy and exchange bias is evident in our multilayers and plays an important role in the out-of-plane exchange-bias mechanism.     

Spin reorientation transition in Fe/CeH2 multilayers probed by soft X-ray resonant magnetic scattering

The magnetic domain configurations of Fe 3d spins in Fe/CeH₂ multilayers were measured by soft X-ray resonant magnetic scattering. The interface region could be probed by setting up X-ray standing waves due to the multilayer periodicity. By resolving first- and second-order magnetic scattering contributions, we show that the latter probe directly the magneto-crystalline anisotropy which is dominated by the Fe interface layers causing a spin reorientation transition when the temperature is lowered. Received: 30 May 2001 / Accepted: 4 July 2001 / Published online: 5 October 2001     

Magnetic transition in Co/(Gd–Co) multilayers

[Co/Gd_0.36Co_0.64]₄/Co multilayers with Co termination layer have been prepared by rf sputtering. They form macroscopic ferrimagnets with a compensation temperature (T_comp) determined by the thickness ratio of the layers. In low fields the magnetization of Co and Gd–Co layers are along the axis of the applied field. Increasing field makes the moments of both the Co and Gd–Co layers deviate from the axis of the field giving rise to a transition into a twisted state. These magnetic transitions were studied by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), magneto-optic Kerr effect and magnetoresistance measurements at various temperatures. The nucleation and evolution of surface- and bulk-twisted magnetic states were also observed in these multilayers.     

Magneto-optical Faraday and Kerr effect of orthoferrite thin films at high temperatures

Orthoferrites present, as bulk materials, reorientation transitions of their magnetic moment alignment at temperatures depending on the rare-earth (RE) ion. In particular, orthoferrites (REFeO₃) with RE = Sm, Dy, present this transition at T _SRT = 443 K and 36 K, respectively. The spectra of the complex Kerr and Faraday angle have been measured on orthoferrite thin films (RE = Sm, Dy, Y), which were prepared by pulsed laser deposition on amorphous quartz substrates. The obtained spectra exhibit contributions of both surfaces and interfaces. Propagation effects of the polarized light in the magneto-optical medium which is interpreted in terms of a simplified theoretical formalism, is also observed. For selected photon energies, temperature dependent Faraday rotation measurements, , on orthoferrite thin films (RE = Sm, Dy, Y) have been performed. A quite different thermal variation compared to the bulk magnetization has been observed. Curie temperatures are found to be close to the bulk values or slightly larger by 10 K to 20 K as in the case of DyFeO₃ and YFeO₃. For RE = Sm and Dy, increases with increasing temperature contrary to the saturation magnetization, passes through a maximum at about 460 K and vanishes with a T _C of 647±18 K, 695 K for RE = Sm and Dy respectively. Received 28 July 2000     

Magnetization reversal in Gd0.67Ca0.33MnO3: Comparison between epitaxial thin films and bulk

Rare-earth-based manganites ABO₃ may present interesting properties when the lanthanide (A-site) and/or the manganese (B-site) are partially substituted by divalent elements. Heavy lanthanides are particularly appealing because of the expected interplay between the intrinsic magnetic properties of the rare-earth element (Ln) and those of the ferromagnetic manganese sublattice. As such, a spin reorientation has been observed during magnetization-versus-temperature cycles due to a negative exchange interaction between Mn and Ln. We present herein high-quality epitaxial thin films (∼200 nm thick) of Gd_0.67Ca_0.33MnO₃ deposited onto (1 0 0) SrTiO₃ substrates by pulsed-laser deposition. Enhanced properties were observed in comparison with bulk samples. The magnetic transition temperature T_c of the as-grown films is much higher than the corresponding bulk values. Most interesting, magnetization measurements performed under small applied fields, exhibit magnetization reversals below T_c, no matter whether the film is field-cooled (FC) or zero-field-cooled (ZFC). The reversal mechanism is discussed in terms of a negative exchange f-d interaction and magnetic anisotropy, this latter enhanced by strain effects induced by the lattice mismatch between the film and the substrate.     

Critical behaviour of magnetic thin film with Heisenberg spin-S model

The magnetic properties of a ferromagnetic thin film of face centered cubic (FCC) lattice with Heisenberg spin-S are examined using the high-temperature series expansions technique extrapolated with Padé approximations method. The critical reduced temperature of the system τ_c is studied as function of thickness of the film and the exchange interactions in the bulk, and within the surfaces J_b, J_s and J_⊥ respectively. A critical value of surface exchange interaction above which surface magnetism appears is obtained. The dependence of the reduced critical temperature on the film thickness L has been investigated.     

Magnetic and transport property studies of nanocrystalline ZnxFe3−xO4

The magnetic and transport properties of nanocrystalline Zn_xFe_3−xO₄ with x=0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0, respectively, fabricated by the sol-gel method have been investigated. Large magnetoresistance (MR) was observed and found to be originated both from the tunneling of the spin-polarized electrons across the adjacent ferromagnetic grains and the scattering by the canted spins at the grain surface near the grain boundaries. It has been revealed that the MR for the Zn_xFe_3−xO₄ samples (x=0, 0.5 and 1.0) increases with the temperature decreasing from room temperature until a maximum is reached at around 55 K. Then a sharp drop occurs with the further decrease in temperature, regarded as a spin (cluster) glass transition. For the samples studied, a biggest low field (0.5 T) MR value of about 20% for x=0 at 55 K has been obtained. The mechanism of the MR behavior of the materials was discussed.     

Magnetic interface polarization of the La-5d states in Fe/LaHx multilayers

For rare-earth (RE)-hydrides (REHx), a metal-to-insulator transition is observed if the hydrogen concentration is increased from the dihydride (x=2) towards the trihydride (x=3). This transition provides an object for studies of the magnetic interface polarization in layered ferromagnet/insulator structures. For different samples with a fixed Fe and varied LaH_x sublayer thickness t_LaHx ([15 ? Fe/t? LaH_x]xn), the H concentration x in the LaH_x sublayer is gradually increased in the experiment. Starting from the as prepared dihydride REH_2-δ, the modification of the magnetic polarization of the La-5d states at the Fe/La_x interface is studied across the transition by magnetic circular dichroism measurements at the La-L₂ and L₃ edges. The experiments reveal an induced magnetic polarization of the La-5d hole states on a length scale of 9 ? that is independent of the altered electronic structure of the La-5d states. Received: 23 May 2001 / Accepted: 4 July 2001 / Published online: 5 October 2001     

A new type of temperature driven reorientation transition in magnetic thin films

We present a new type of temperature driven spin reorientation transition (SRT) in thin films. It can occur when the lattice and the shape anisotropy favor different easy directions of the magnetization. Due to different temperature dependencies of the two contributions the effective anisotropy may change its sign and thus the direction of the magnetization as a function of temperature may change. Contrary to the well-known reorientation transition caused by competing surface and bulk anisotropy contributions the reorientation that we discuss is also found in film systems with a uniform lattice anisotropy. The results of our theoretical model study may have experimental relevance for film systems with positive lattice anisotropy, as e.g. thin iron films grown on copper.     

Band-edge exciton transitions in (Ga1−xMnx)N diluted magnetic semiconductor films with above room temperature ferromagnetic transition

(Ga_1−xMn_x)N thin films grown on GaN buffer layers by using molecular beam epitaxy were investigated with the goal of producing diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMSs) with band-edge exciton transitions for applications in optomagnetic devices. The magnetization curve as a function of the magnetic field at 5 K indicated that ferromagnetism existed in the (Ga_1−xMn_x)N thin films, and the magnetization curve as a function of the temperature showed that the ferromagnetic transition temperature of the (Ga_1−xMn_x)N thin film was above room temperature. Photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation spectra showed that band-edge exciton transitions in (Ga_1−xMn_x)N thin films appeared. These results indicate that the (Ga_1−xMn_x)N DMSs with a magnetic single phase hold promise for potential applications in spin optoelectronic devices in the blue region of the spectrum.     

Magnetic domain structure in Fe78.8−xCoxCu0.6Nb2.6Si9B9 nanocrystalline alloys studied by Lorentz microscopy

The magnetic domain structures of Fe_78.8−xCo_xCu_0.6Nb_2.6Si₉B₉ (x=0, 20, 40, 60) alloys are investigated by Lorentz microscopy coupled with the focused ion beam method. The specimen prepared using the FIB method is found to have a considerably more uniform thickness compared to that prepared using the ion-milling method. In Fe_38.8Co₄₀Cu_0.6Nb_2.6Si₉B₉ and Fe_18.8Co₆₀Cu_0.6Nb_2.6Si₉B₉ alloys, 180° domain walls extending in the direction of the induced magnetic anisotropy are observed. Analysis with Lorentz microscopy reveals that the width of the magnetic domains decreases with an increase in the cobalt content or the induced magnetic anisotropy K_u, that is, the domain width d is proportional to the induced magnetic anisotropy (K_u)^−1/4. On the other hand, in the in situ Lorentz microscopy observation as a function of temperature, magnetic ripple structures are found to appear in a localized area due to the fluctuation of magnetization vectors from 423 K. It is observed that the induced magnetic anisotropy caused by the applied magnetic field at 803 K is not suppressed by the magnetic ripple structures observed at 423–443 K.     

Magnetization reversal in bulk and thin films of the ferrimagnetic ErCo0.50Mn0.50O3 perovskite

We present herein a comparison of the magnetic properties of bulk ceramics and thin films of the ferrimagnetic ErCo_0.50Mn_0.50O₃ compound. Epitaxial thin films were deposited onto (1 0 0) SrTiO₃ substrates by pulsed-laser ablation while bulk ceramics were prepared by solid state reaction. When cooling under low applied fields, a spin reversal is observed in both thin film and bulk due to the competition between two magnetic sublattices (Co/Mn and Er) coupled by a negative exchange interaction. Original features are observed in the M(H) loops for bulk materials: abrupt jumps at 4 T due to a reorientation of domains, while in the low field region, the increasing and decreasing branches of the magnetization intersect each other. In the thin film, the ordering temperature increased from 69 to 75 K, and the ZFC anomaly (AF transition) became sharper, compared to the bulk specimen. The oxygen content and the microstructure are crucial to observe the intersection of the magnetization branches.     

Effects of sintering temperature and atmosphere on magnetism in Mn-doped TiO2 bulk samples

Magnetic properties have been investigated on Mn doped TiO₂(Ti_0.98Mn_0.02O₂) bulk samples prepared by solid state reaction, which were sintered at different temperature ranging from 450 ^°C to 900 ^°C in air and argon atmosphere, respectively. The results show that the magnetic properties were strongly dependent on the sintering temperature and atmosphere. For samples sintered in air, the magnetization initially increase with the increase of sintering temperature up to 600 ^°C and thereafter it decrease. While the magnetization of samples sintered in argon atmosphere decreases monotonically with the increase of sintering temperature. Furthermore, for samples sintered at 600 ^°C in air, the magnetic susceptibility exhibits a dominant Curie-Weiss behaviour and no magnetic transition is observed over the temperature range from 10 to 300 K. In contrast, for samples sintered in argon atmosphere, besides the magnetic transition near 45 K perhaps caused by Mn₃O₄, another magnetic transition appears near room temperature.     

Magnetic structures in Ni80Fe20/Ru multilayers

Using polarized neutron reflectivity (PNR) measurements together with associated simulation, magnetic structures of two Ni₈₀Fe₂₀ (1 1 1)/Ru (0 0 0 1) multilayer samples with Ru thickness of 9 and 21 Å were investigated under various external magnetic fields at room temperature. The results reveal the existence of layer thickness, interface roughness, magnetic moment, interlayer coupling angle and non-collinear coupling. The former three are independent of Ru thickness; while the latter two are strongly dependent of Ru thickness.     

Antiferromagnet IrMn thickness dependence in exchange-biased perpendicular magnetic anisotropy based on CoFe/Pt/CoFe/[IrMn(tIrMn)] multilayers

The effect of the antiferromagnetic IrMn thickness upon the magnetic properties of CoFe/Pt/CoFe/[IrMn(t_IrMn)] multilayers is studied. An oscillatory interlayer coupling (IEC) has been shown in pinned CoFe/Pt(t_Pt)/CoFe/IrMn multilayers with perpendicular anisotropy. The period of oscillation corresponds to about 2 monolayers of Pt. The oscillatory behavior of IEC depends on the nonmagnetic metallic Pt thickness and is thought to be related to the antiferromagnetic ordering induced by the IrMn layer. From the extraordinary Hall voltage amplitude (EHA) curves as function of IrMn thickness, we report that the oscillation dependence of IEC for the [CoFe/Pt/CoFe] multilayer system induced by IrMn with spacer-layer thickness is a important features of perpendicular exchange biased system.     

Exchange bias in Co nanoparticles embedded in an Mn matrix

Magnetic properties of Co nanoparticles of 1.8 nm diameter embedded in Mn and Ag matrices have been studied as a function of the volume fraction (VFF). While the Co nanoparticles in the Ag matrix show superparamagnetic behavior with T_B=9.5 K (1.5% VFF) and T_B=18.5 K (8.9% VFF), the Co nanoparticles in the antiferromagnetic Mn matrix show a transition peak at ∼65 K in the ZFC/FC susceptibility measurements, and an increase of the coercive fields at low temperature with respect to the Ag matrix. Exchange bias due to the interface exchange coupling between Co particles and the antiferromagnetic Mn matrix has also been studied. The exchange bias field (H_eb), observed for all Co/Mn samples below 40 K, decreases with decreasing volume fraction and with increasing temperature and depends on the field of cooling (H_fc). Exchange bias is accompanied by an increase of coercivity.