Abstract
The structural and magnetic properties of FeTaN/FeSm/FeTaN multilayers, deposited by dc magnetron sputtering, have been investigated as function of the alloy layers thickness. Structural and morphological characterizations, accomplished by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray reflectivity and grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction, account for a well-defined layered structure of the multilayers with a limited interface roughness. The magnetization reversal process is examined experimentally using magneto-optical Kerr vector magnetometry by measuring the longitudinal and transverse hysteresis loops. It is found that, for soft layer thickness above 3.2 nm, the magnetization reversal occurs via the formation of a stable exchange-spring state in which the magnetic moments of the outermost soft layer gradually rotates away from the unswitched underlying hard layer.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 285-290 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Surface Science |
| Volume | 566-568 |
| Issue number | 1-3 PART 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Sep 20 2004 |
| Event | Proceedings of the 22nd European Conference on Surface Science - Prague, Czech Republic Duration: Sep 7 2003 → Sep 12 2003 |
Keywords
- Alloys
- Magnetic interfaces
- Magnetic phenomena (cyclotron resonance, phase transitions, etc.)
- Surface structure, morphology, roughness, and topography
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Surfaces and Interfaces
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films
- Materials Chemistry