Magnetization reversal in (0 0 1)Fe thin films studied by combining domain images and MOKE hysteresis loops

The magnetization reversal of epitaxial single-crystal Fe films has been studied by combining domain images and hysteresis loops. The reversal is quantitatively described by combining the coherent rotation model and the domain wall displacement model. The pinning energy exerted on the domain walls and the domain wall angle at the switching fields are obtained by fitting this model to experimental hysteresis loops. The field-dependent pinning energy and the domain wall angle in the reversal process, and the contributions of second-order magneto-optic effect to hysteresis loops, are revealed to be two important features of single-crystal Fe films.     

Effects of array arrangements in nano-patterned thin film media

In this work, the effect of different arrays arrangements on the magnetic behaviour of patterned thin film media is simulated. The modeled films consist of 80×80 cobalt grains of uniform diameter (20 nm) distributed into two different array arrangement: hexagonal (triangular) or square arrays. In addition to that, for each array arrangement, two cases of anisotropy orientations, random and textured films are considered. For both array arrangements and media orientations, hysteresis loops at different array separation (d) were simulated. Predictions show that for closely packed films, the shearing effects on the magnetization loop are much larger for the square array arrangement than the hexagonal one. According to these predictions, the bit switching field distribution in interacting 2D systems is much narrower for the hexagonal array arrangement. This result could be very important for high-density magnetic recording where a narrow bit switching field distribution is required.     

Magnetization reversal of microsized Fe elliptic rings

We report on the magnetization reversal of elliptic ring patterns lithographically prepared from Fe films. The elliptic rings in four different arrays are all of the same size , but their geometry is disturbed by introducing an increasing number of slits into the rings. The magnetization reversal is studied by regular longitudinal vector magneto-optical Kerr effect in specular geometry as well as in Bragg geometry, using the diffraction spots from the grating for hysteresis measurements. The measurements are compared with the results of micromagnetic simulation, which allow a detailed interpretation of the experimental data. We find that the remagnetization process in an external magnetic field is characterized by single-step switching or double switching depending on the geometry of the structure.     

Transverse effects in absorptive optical bistability

Absorptive bistability loops are computed for a laser beam with a gaussian input spatial profile incident on a unidirectional ring cavity containing a saturable nonlinear medium. Sharp radially dependent switching with wide bistable loops is predicted for large Fresnel numbers. Intermediate Fresnel numbers result in whole beam switching with significant narrowing of the associated bistable loops. At low Fresnel numbers, bistability can disappear. Radially integrated hysteresis loops differ quantitatively from plane-wave predictions.     

Micromagnetic simulations of 200-nm-diameter cobalt nanorings using a Reuleaux triangular geometry

Using micromagnetic simulations, we investigated the magnetic states and switching processes of Co nanorings with lateral dimensions of 200 nm. We propose a special geometry of nanorings that adopts different Reuleaux triangular shapes. Reuleaux's triangles (RT) combine both the equilateral triangle and circular geometries. We studied the magnetic spin configurations of individual nanorings by varying the thickness and geometry of the nanomagnets. Our results demonstrated that in most nanomagnets exhibiting a thickness of less than 4 nm, there exists an onion-type state, which precedes either a twisted, double twisted, or cardioid state, when studying the magnetization reversal process. The hysteresis loops and magnetic states found in these RTs are compared with circular nanorings.     

Constricted hysteresis loops in Fe and Ni single crystals

Magnetic hysteresis loops reflect the variety of magnetic domain structures and have been considered to have normal rectangular or leaf-like shapes in standard ferromagnets such as Fe and Ni metals. We report on observations of constricted hysteresis loops in Fe and Ni single crystals with very low defect densities. The constricted loops were observed below T=150 K and in a medium temperature range from 150 to 430 K in Fe and Ni single crystals, respectively. These constricted loops disappear by weak plastic deformation for both single crystals. The origin of constricted hysteresis loops was explained by eddy current effects under less domain wall pinning due to dislocations.     

Switching of partially switched KNbO3 single crystals containing cooperatively ordered impurity dipoles

Switching studies have been carried out in partially switched KNbO₃ single crystals by observing switching transients and hysteresis loops. The crystals used contained ordered impurity dipoles that are active in nucleating domains around them. Partial initial switching was obtained by applying known compressive stress to the crystal by means of a spring. The partially switched nature was determined by recording the photograph of the crystal surface. The changed domain structure on the surface gave a clear idea of the extent of partial switching. As the compressive stress was gradually increased, the crystal showed increased initial mechanical switching through the mechanism of evaporation of domain walls associated with ordered impurity dipoles. The dipoles then switch systematically converting 90° domains with polar axes in the plane of plate into 60° domains with polar axes in the perpendicular pseudocubic {001} planes. The initial switching condition changes the switching characteristics as determined by hysteresis loops and switching transients. The results are interpreted in terms of domains in the crystal. If the dipole density is quite high, the effect of the dipoles becomes negligible, and the switching behaviour approximates that of a normal ferroelectric. The switching transients and the hysteresis loops in the crystals containing cooperatively ordered dipoles are basically different from the ones observed in normal ferroelectrics. The anomalous behaviour is detrimental to the use of material in device applications. Hence, it is shown that the switching transients and hysteresis loops provide a ready means of detecting the presence of these ordered impurity dipoles.     

Magnetization reversal in amorphous gadolinium-cobalt films with a radial gradient of magnetic properties

The integral characteristics of magnetization switching in amorphous gadolinium-cobalt films with perpendicular anisotropy are studied by visualizing the domain structure and measuring magnetooptic hysteresis loops. The films have a radial gradient of magnetic properties that is due to a spatially nonuniform thermal field. Magnetization switching in those film areas where the domain wall motion depends only on the coercive force is simulated in simple terms. In a first approximation, local events of magnetization switching are shown to take place independently of each other and the net hysteresis loop can be represented as a sum of the local loops.     

Extraction of hysteresis loops from main magnetization curves

In firm catalogues,the basic properties of magnetic materials are often described by their main magnetization curves. Such curves may be used for the first analysis of circuits containing ferromagnetic cores. The analysis will be more accurate, if the curves are transformed into the families of hysteresis loops. To enable the reconstruction of such loops, we formulate a simple model of hysteresis, making main magnetization curve directly dependent on coercivity. In this way we can approximate hysteresis loops of most typical materials in a pretty wide range of magnetization. Application of variable coercivity enables extension of the model to stronger fields.     

α-Fe纳米线阵列膜磁各向异性的穆斯堡尔谱研究

在具有纳米级孔洞的多孔氧化铝模板上,用电沉积方法成功地制备出α-Fe纳米线有序阵列组装膜.分别用透射电子显微镜(TEM)、穆斯堡尔谱仪(MS)和振动样品磁强计(VMS)对样品进行了测试分析.TEM和电子衍射的结果显示,阵列中的纳米线均匀有序,彼此独立,由一串α-Fe单晶磁性颗粒构成.VSM测试结果表明,这种纳米阵列结构具有高度垂直磁各向异性.当外磁场垂直磁化时,磁滞回线具有很高矩形比(0.98)和矫顽力(1.76×10⁵A/m).尤其MS的测试结果显示,阵列中的每根纳米线的总磁矩都沿 关键词：     

Double-hysteresis-like loops in Mn-doped (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics

PLZT12/40/60 ceramics doped with different Mn content were prepared by a conventional mixed oxide method. The shrinkage of some local crystal cells was confirmed by XRD diffraction. The effect of Mn doping on the hysteresis loop was investigated. A peculiar double-hysteresis-like loop was found and various possible mechanisms were discussed. Random local strains caused by shrunk crystal cells can satisfactorily explain the double hysteresis characteristics. The dependence of the double-hysteresis-like loops on temperature was also investigated. Due to the heat activation of polar moments in shrunk crystal cells, the double-hysteresis-like loops can transform into a normal one when the temperature is rising.     

Phase Diagram of Antiferromagnetically Exchange-Coupled Bilayer

Magnetic hysteresis properties of antiferromagnetically exchange-coupled bilayer structures, in which the two magnetic layers have different magnetic parameters and thicknesses, are studied within the framework of the Stoner-Wohlfarth model. Analytical expressions for the switching fields corresponding to the linear magnetic states are obtained. By adjusting the magnetic parameters or thicknesses of layers, nine different types of easy-axis hysteresis loops may exist. The phase diagram of easy-axis hysteresis loops is mapped in the k1 and k2 plane, where k1 and k2 are the ratios of magnetic anisotropy to the interlayer exchange coupling of the two magnetic layers, respectively.     

Magnetic-field behavior of heterogeneous magnetic materials

Results on the investigation of the magnetic properties of nanocrystalline Co/Ni/Fe and Fe/Zr/Fe thin-film systems are presented. The study of the magnetic properties of the examined samples was carried out employing magneto-optical micromagnetometer with a surface sensitivity about of 20 nm of the thickness depth and a vibrating sample magnetometer. The examined samples were revealed to exhibit hysteresis loops of complicated forms. These data were explained by the magnetostatic and exchange interactions between the layers in heterogeneous magnetic materials.     

Special Features of Behavior of Phenomenological Parameters of Thermoelastic Martensitic Transformations in Low-Stability Alloys Based on Titanium Nickelide

The paper presents the results of an analysis of the data on phase and atomic composition changes in the austenite and martensite phases obtained by an in situ x-ray diffraction examination of thermoelastic martensite transitions in the alloys based on titanium nickelide doped with different elements (Fe, Co, Rh, Cu, Pd, Pt, and Au). To this end, the parameters determining the martensitic transformation hysteresis loops were obtained. These were then classified using the x-ray diffraction and phenomenological data.     

Polarization switching process of soft lead zirconate titanate bulk ceramics

The domain switching dynamics was investigated in Nb-doped Pb(Zr_0.52Ti_0.48)O₃ bulk ceramics through observing systematically the evolution of the hysteresis loops at frequencies ranging from 0.01 to 100 Hz and in a field of 7.5–35 kV/cm. The experimental results indicate that the hysteresis loops are remarkably dependent on the fields and the frequencies. The data are analyzed by the Merz equation. The analysis results reveal that the requirement to satisfy the Merz equation is saturated loops. Based on these results, we divided the polarization switching process into three regions.     

Similarity rules of magnetic minor hysteresis loops in Fe and Ni metals

We have studied similarity rules of quasistatic minor hysteresis loops for Fe and Ni single crystals in the wide temperature range from 10 to 600 K. Two similarity rules of M_R*/M_a*∼3/4 and W_R*/W_F*∼1/6, were found in a medium field range where irreversible movement of Bloch walls plays a crucial role for magnetization; M_a*, M_R*, W_F*, and W_R* are magnetization, remanence, hysteresis loss, and remanence work of a minor hysteresis loop. The similarity rules hold true, being almost independent of kinds of ferromagnets, applied stress, and temperature. The origin was discussed from the viewpoint of pinning effects due to dislocations as well as eddy current effects which become predominant at low temperatures for samples with low dislocation density.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of NiFe2−xAlxO4 nanoparticles

Nanocrystalline Al-doped nickel ferrite powders have been synthesized by sol–gel auto-ignition method and the effect of non-magnetic aluminum content on the structural and magnetic properties has been studied. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the powders obtained are single phase with inverse spinel structure. The calculated grain sizes from XRD data have been verified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM photographs show that the powders consist of nanometer-sized grains. It was observed that the characteristic grain size decreases from 29 to 6 nm as the non-magnetic Al content increases, which was attributed to the influence of non-magnetic Al concentration on the grain size. Magnetic hysteresis loops were measured at room temperature with a maximum applied magnetic field of ≈1 T. As aluminum content increases, the measured magnetic hysteresis curves become more and more narrow and the saturation magnetization and remanent magnetization both decreased. The reduction of magnetization compared to bulk is a consequence of spin non-collinearity. Further reduction of magnetization with increase of aluminum content is caused by non-magnetic Al³⁺ ions and weakened interaction between sublattices. This, as well as the decrease in hysteresis was understood in terms of the decrease in particle size.     

Degradation of the Giant Magnetoresistance in Fe/Cr Multilayers Due to Ar-Ion Beam Mixing

The influence of 200 keV Ar-ion irradiation on the interlayer coupling in the Fe/Cr multilayer system exhibiting the giant magnetoresistance effect (GMR) is studied by conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy (CEMS), VSM hysteresis loops, magnetoresistivity and electric resistivity measurements and supplemented by the small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAXRD). The increase of Ar ion dose causes an increase of interface roughness, as evidenced by the increase of the Fe step-sites detected by CEMS as a result of which the GMR gradually decreases and vanishes at doses exceeding 1×10¹⁴ Ar/cm². A degradation of GMR with increasing Ar-ion dose is related to the formation of pinholes between Fe layers and the decrease of the antiferromagnetically coupled fraction.

     

Effect of boron concentration on the magnetic properties of (FeCoNi) 100−xBx (x=15 and 20 wt%) nanowire arrays

The Fe_14.5Co_16.5Ni₅₅B₁₅ and the Fe₁₃Co_15.5Ni_51.5B₂₀ ferromagnetic nanowires were deposited using the electrochemical deposition method. The structure of these nanowires was investigated using X-ray diffraction. Squid magnetometer was used to investigate the magnetic behavior. The hysteresis loops of 50 μm long nanowire arrays were studied as a function of boron concentration, nanowire diameter and field orientation. The competition between shape anisotropy and magnetostatic interactions played a vital role in determining the magnetic field necessary to saturate an array. The decrease in coercive field (H_c) and the squareness (SQ) of the hysteresis loop from 100 to 200 nm wire diameter for both types of compositions suggests the formation of multidomains in the nanowire.     

Recent advances in studies of magnetically soft amorphous microwires

In this paper, we present the giant magneto-impedance (GMI) effect (real part of longitudinal impedance, Z, and of the off-diagonal impedance) and hysteretic magnetic properties of amorphous glass-coated microwires with different compositions possessing nearly zero, positive and negative magnetostriction constant and metallic nucleus diameter ranging between 6 and 16 μm. Enhanced soft magnetic properties (low coercivity of about 4 A/m) and high-GMI effect have been observed in Co-rich microwires with vanishing magnetostriction constant. The magnetic anisotropy field of these microwires depends on the ratio between metallic diameter, d and total microwires diameter, D. Stress-sensitive magnetic properties have been obtained in Fe-rich microwires after stress annealing: hysteresis loop stress-annealed (SA) microwires drastically changes under applied stress. A variety of hysteresis loops with different hysteresis loops can be obtained in Fe-rich microwires changing the conditions (time and/or temperature) of the stress annealing. The obtained results allow us to tailor the microwire magnetic properties for magnetic sensors applications through selection of their composition and/or geometry and by thermal treatment.