Showing papers on "Ferromagnetism published in 2005"
TL;DR: It is proposed thatferromagnetic exchange here, and in dilute ferromagnetic nitrides, is mediated by shallow donor electrons that form bound magnetic polarons, which overlap to create a spin-split impurity band.
Abstract: Dilute ferromagnetic oxides having Curie temperatures far in excess of 300 K and exceptionally large ordered moments per transition-metal cation challenge our understanding of magnetism in solids. These materials are high-k dielectrics with degenerate or thermally activated n-type semiconductivity. Conventional super-exchange or double-exchange interactions cannot produce long-range magnetic order at concentrations of magnetic cations of a few percent. We propose that ferromagnetic exchange here, and in dilute ferromagnetic nitrides, is mediated by shallow donor electrons that form bound magnetic polarons, which overlap to create a spin-split impurity band. The Curie temperature in the mean-field approximation varies as (xdelta)(1/2) where x and delta are the concentrations of magnetic cations and donors, respectively. High Curie temperatures arise only when empty minority-spin or majority-spin d states lie at the Fermi level in the impurity band. The magnetic phase diagram includes regions of semiconducting and metallic ferromagnetism, cluster paramagnetism, spin glass and canted antiferromagnetism.
2,743 citations
TL;DR: The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in paramagnetic materials has been widely used for attaining very low temperatures by applying a magnetic field isothermally and removing it adiabatically as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in paramagnetic materials has been widely used for attaining very low temperatures by applying a magnetic field isothermally and removing it adiabatically. The effect can also be exploited for room-temperature refrigeration by using giant MCE materials. Here we report on an inverse situation in Ni-Mn-Sn alloys, whereby applying a magnetic field adiabatically, rather than removing it, causes the sample to cool. This has been known to occur in some intermetallic compounds, for which a moderate entropy increase can be induced when a field is applied, thus giving rise to an inverse magnetocaloric effect. However, the entropy change found for some ferromagnetic Ni-Mn-Sn alloys is just as large as that reported for giant MCE materials, but with opposite sign. The giant inverse MCE has its origin in a martensitic phase transformation that modifies the magnetic exchange interactions through the change in the lattice parameters.
1,680 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a new mechanism of the magnetoelectric effect based on the spin supercurrent was theoretically presented in terms of a microscopic electronic model for noncollinear magnets.
Abstract: A new mechanism of the magnetoelectric effect based on the spin supercurrent is theoretically presented in terms of a microscopic electronic model for noncollinear magnets. The electric polarization P(ij) produced between the two magnetic moments S(i) and S(j) is given by P proportional e(ij) X (S(i) X S(j)) with e(ij) being the unit vector connecting the sites i and j. Applications to the spiral spin structure and the gauge theoretical interpretation are discussed.
1,562 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the triplet component of the condensate generated by superconductor-ferromagnet structures is considered, which is odd in frequency and even in momentum, making it insensitive to nonmagnetic impurities.
Abstract: This review considers unusual effects in superconductor-ferromagnet structures, in particular, the triplet component of the condensate generated in those systems. This component is odd in frequency and even in momentum, which makes it insensitive to nonmagnetic impurities. If the exchange field is not homogeneous in the system, the triplet component is not destroyed even by a strong exchange field and can penetrate the ferromagnet over long distances. Some other effects considered here and caused by the proximity effect are enhancement of the Josephson current due to the presence of the ferromagnet, induction of a magnetic moment in superconductors resulting in a screening of the magnetic moment, and formation of periodic magnetic structures due to the influence of the superconductor. Finally, theoretical predictions are compared with existing experiments.
1,144 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the recent progress in the theoretical and experimental studies of ZnO-and GaN-based DMSs is presented, focusing on the structural, optical, and magnetic properties of these materials.
Abstract: The observation of ferromagnetism in magnetic ion doped II–VI diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMSs) and oxides, and later in (Ga,Mn)As materials has inspired a great deal of research interest in a field dubbed “spintronics” of late, which could pave the way to exploit spin in addition to charge in semiconductor devices. The main challenge for practical application of the DMS materials is the attainment of a Curie temperature at or preferably above room temperature to be compatible with junction temperatures. Among the studies of transition-metal doped conventional III–V and II–VI semiconductors, transition-metal-doped ZnO and GaN became the most extensively studied topical materials since the prediction by Dietl et al., based on mean field theory, as promising candidates to realize a diluted magnetic material with Curie temperature above room temperature. The underlying assumptions, however, such as transition metal concentrations in excess of 5% and hole concentrations of about 1020 cm−3, have not gotten as much attention. The particular predictions are predicated on the assumption that hole mediated exchange interaction is responsible for magnetic ordering. Among the additional advantages of ZnO-and GaN-based DMSs are that they can be readily incorporated in the existing semiconductor heterostructure systems, where a number of optical and electronic devices have been realized, thus allowing the exploration of the underlying physics and applications based on previously unavailable combinations of quantum structures and magnetism in semiconductors. This review focuses primarily on the recent progress in the theoretical and experimental studies of ZnO- and GaN-based DMSs. One of the desirable outcomes is to obtain carrier mediated magnetism, so that the magnetic properties can be manipulated by charge control, for example through external electrical voltage. We shall first describe the basic theories forwarded for the mechanisms producing ferromagnetic behavior in DMS materials, and then review the theoretical results dealing with ZnO and GaN. The rest of the review is devoted to the structural, optical, and magnetic properties of ZnO- and GaN-based DMS materials reported in the literature. A critical review of the question concerning the origin of ferromagnetism in diluted magnetic semiconductors is given. In a similar vein, limitations and problems for identifying novel ferromagnetic DMS are briefly discussed, followed by challenges and a few examples of potential devices.
616 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the experimental status of multiferroics has been presented for both the bulk single phase and the thin film form, and a detailed overview on multiferromagnetic thin films grown artificially (multilayers and nanocomposites) is presented.
Abstract: Complex perovskite oxides exhibit a rich spectrum of properties, including magnetism, ferroelectricity, strongly correlated electron behaviour, superconductivity and magnetoresistance, which have been research areas of great interest among the scientific and technological community for decades. There exist very few materials which exhibit multiple functional properties; one such class of materials is called the multiferroics. Multiferroics are interesting because they exhibit simultaneously ferromagnetic and ferroelectric polarizations and a coupling between them. Due to the nontrivial lattice coupling between the magnetic and electronic domains (the magnetoelectric effect), the magnetic polarization can be switched by applying an electric field; likewise the ferroelectric polarization can be switched by applying a magnetic field. As a consequence, multiferroics offer rich physics and novel devices concepts, which have recently become of great interest to researchers. In this review article the recent experimental status, for both the bulk single phase and the thin film form, has been presented. Current studies on the ceramic compounds in the bulk form including Bi(Fe,Mn)O3, REMnO3 andthe series of REMn2O5 single crystals (RE = rare earth) are discussed in the first section and a detailed overview on multiferroic thin films grown artificially (multilayers and nanocomposites) is presented in the second section.
601 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors summarize the current status of oxide-based diluted magnetic semiconductors, and discuss the influence of growth method, substrate choice, and temperature on the microstructure and subsequent magnetic properties of thin films.
Abstract: There has been considerable recent interest in the design of diluted magnetic semiconductors, with a particular focus on the exploration of different semiconductor hosts. Among these, the oxide-based diluted magnetic semiconductors are attracting increasing attention, following reports of room temperature ferromagnetism in anatase TiO2 and wurtzite ZnO doped with a range of transition metal ions. In this review we summarize the current status of oxide-based diluted magnetic semiconductors, and discuss the influence of growth method, substrate choice, and temperature on the microstructure and subsequent magnetic properties of thin films. We outline the experimental conditions that promote large magnetization and high ferromagnetic Curie temperature. Finally, we review the proposed mechanisms for the experimentally observed ferromagnetism and compare the predictions to the range of available data.
489 citations
TL;DR: Measurements on a simple cubic spinel compound with unusual, and potentially useful, magnetic and electric properties show ferromagnetic order coexisting with relaxor ferroelectricity, and the magnetocapacitive coupling reaches colossal values, approaching 500 per cent.
Abstract: Ferromagnets have been known since ancient times. Ferroelectrics were discovered 80 years ago, and both properties are important in many areas of technology and electronics. Materials displaying both ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism combine the potential applications of both parent phases, with a range of new applications in optics, electronic circuitry and multiple-state memory devices. Such materials are rare, but one described this week, the common sulpho-spinel CdCr2S4, shows promise. It combines reasonable ordering temperatures (the point at which magnetic properties disappear) with sizeable magnetization and polarization well suited for application. Materials in which magnetic and electric order coexist—termed ‘multiferroics’ or ‘magnetoelectrics’—have recently become the focus of much research1,2,3,4. In particular, the simultaneous occurrence of ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity, combined with an intimate coupling of magnetization and polarization via magnetocapacitive effects, holds promise for new generations of electronic devices. Here we present measurements on a simple cubic spinel compound with unusual, and potentially useful, magnetic and electric properties: it shows ferromagnetic order coexisting with relaxor ferroelectricity (a ferroelectric cluster state with a smeared-out phase transition), both having sizable ordering temperatures and moments. Close to the ferromagnetic ordering temperature, the magnetocapacitive coupling (characterized by a variation of the dielectric constant in an external magnetic field) reaches colossal values, approaching 500 per cent. We attribute the relaxor properties to geometric frustration, which is well known for magnetic moments but here is found to impede long-range order of the structural degrees of freedom that drive the formation of the ferroelectric state.
436 citations
TL;DR: An analysis of density functional calculations determines the nature of magnetic interactions for transition metals doped ZnO and develops a physical picture based on hybridization, superexchange, and double exchange that captures chemical trends.
Abstract: The introduction of ferromagnetic order in ZnO results in a transparent piezoelectric ferromagnet and further expands its already wide range of applications into the emerging field of spintronics. Through an analysis of density functional calculations we determine the nature of magnetic interactions for transition metals doped ZnO and develop a physical picture based on hybridization, superexchange, and double exchange that captures chemical trends. We identify a crucial role of defects in the observed weak and preparation sensitive ferromagnetism in ZnO:Mn and ZnO:Co. We predict and explain co-doping of Li and Zn interstitials to both yield ferromagnetism in ZnO:Co, in contrast with earlier insights, and verify it experimentally.
429 citations
TL;DR: Ab initio electronic structure calculations using density functional theory show that isolated cation vacancy sites in HfO(2) lead to the formation of high-spin defect states, which appear to be ferromagnetically coupled with a rather short range magnetic interaction, resulting in a ferromagnetic ground state for the whole system.
Abstract: In view of recent experimental reports of unexpected ferromagnetism in HfO(2) thin films, we carried out first-principles investigations looking for magnetic order possibly brought about by the presence of small concentrations of intrinsic point defects. Ab initio electronic structure calculations using density functional theory show that isolated cation vacancy sites in HfO(2) lead to the formation of high-spin defect states. Furthermore these appear to be ferromagnetically coupled with a rather short range magnetic interaction, resulting in a ferromagnetic ground state for the whole system. More interestingly, the occurrence of these high-spin states and ferromagnetism is in the low symmetry monoclinic phase of HfO(2). This is radically different from other systems previously known to exhibit point defect ferromagnetism, warranting a closer look at the phenomenon.
376 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a series of copper-doped zinc oxide films were grown by pulsed-laser ablation and the magnetic moment per copper atom decreased as the copper concentration increased.
Abstract: A series of copper-doped zinc oxide films were grown by pulsed-laser ablation. Films grown under conditions that produced n-type ZnO were nonmagnetic while those grown under conditions that produced p-type were ferromagnetic with a Curie temperature above 350 K. The magnetic moment per copper atom decreased as the copper concentration increased. An explanation for this result is proposed based on the distance between nearest-neighbor copper atoms.
TL;DR: The calculations showed that large magnetic-field-induced polarization could be produced in multiferroic nanostructures due to enhanced elastic coupling interaction, which was in agreement with the recent observations.
Abstract: Magnetic-field-induced electric polarization in nanostructured multiferroic composite films was studied by using the Green's function approach. The calculations showed that large magnetic-field-induced polarization could be produced in multiferroic nanostructures due to enhanced elastic coupling interaction. Especially, the 1-3 type films with ferromagnetic nanopillars embedded in a ferroelectric matrix exhibited large magnetic-field-induced polarization responses, while the 2-2 type films with ferroelectric and ferromagnetic nanolaminates showed much weaker magnetoelectric coupling and lower magnetic induced polarization due to large in-plane constraint effect, which was in agreement with the recent observations.
TL;DR: In this article, structural and magnetic investigations of the Heusler compound Co$_2$FeSi were carried out using X-ray diffraction and M *ss bauer spectrometry.
Abstract: This work reports on structural and magnetic investigations of the Heusler compound Co$_2$FeSi. X-Ray diffraction and M\"o\ss bauer spectrometry indicate an ordered $L2_1$ structure. Magnetic measurements by means of X-ray magnetic circular dichroism and magnetometry revealed that this compound is, currently, the material with the highest magnetic moment ($6 \mu_B$) and Curie-temperature (1100K) in the classes of Heusler compounds as well as half-metallic ferromagnets.
TL;DR: In order to answer the question of whether there is another source of magnetism that plays an important role in tuning ferromagnetism in diluted magnetic oxide thin films, investigations on magnetic and structural properties of some types of transition-metal-doped semiconductors had been done as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: In order to answer the question of whether there is another source of magnetism that plays an important role in tuning ferromagnetism in diluted magnetic oxide thin films, investigations on magnetic and structural properties of some types of transition-metal-doped semiconductors had been done. Results on Cr-doped ZnO and Ni-doped $\mathrm{Sn}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ films fabricated under various conditions implied that structural defects and/or oxygen vacancy, indeed, very much influence the magnetism in those systems. An elimination of defects, as well as filling up oxygen vacancies, might cause certain degradation to the ferromagnetic ordering of some specific types of compounds.
TL;DR: In this paper, single-phase insulating BiFeO3 ceramics have been synthesized by a simple but effective method that conventional solid state reaction is followed immediately by quenching processing.
Abstract: Single-phase insulating BiFeO3 ceramics have been synthesized by a simple but effective method that conventional solid state reaction is followed immediately by quenching processing. At room temperature, the ceramics show a metastable, distorted rhombohedral phase and the refined structure parameters are presented based on x-ray diffraction. It is revealed that the formations of Fe2+ and oxygen deficiency are greatly suppressed by the quenching processing. A well-saturated ferroelectric hysteresis loop with a large remnant polarization (2Pr=23.5μC∕cm2) is observed with an applied field of 155kV∕cm. Temperature-dependent magnetic property is investigated and weak ferromagnetism with a remnant magnetization of 4×10−6μB∕Fe at 10K is established. These results may have implications for further studies on multiferroics.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors described a new class of phenomena based on the interaction between spatially separated, but closely located ferromagnets and superconductors, the so-called ferromagnet-superconductor hybrids (FSH).
Abstract: The new class of phenomena described in this review is based on the interaction between spatially separated, but closely located ferromagnets and superconductors, the so-called ferromagnet–superconductor hybrids (FSH). Typical FSH are: coupled uniform and textured ferromagnetic and superconducting films, magnetic dots over a superconducting film, magnetic nanowires in a superconducting matrix, etc. The interaction is provided by the magnetic field generated by magnetic textures and supercurrents. The magnetic flux from magnetic structures or topological defects can pin vortices or create them, changing the transport properties and transition temperature of the superconductor. On the other hand, the magnetic field from supercurrents (vortices) strongly interacts with the magnetic subsystem, leading to formation of coupled magnetic–superconducting topological defects. Each time the Nambu and spin matrices are written together we mean the direct product. The proximity of ferromagnetic layer dramatically cha...
TL;DR: In order to conclusively establish the properties of Mn-and Co-doped ZnO, samples with 6% and 2% dopant concentrations have been prepared by the low-temperature decomposition of acetate solid solutions.
Abstract: Following the theoretical predictions of ferromagnetism in Mn- and Co-doped ZnO, several workers reported ferromagnetism in thin films as well as in bulk samples of these materials. While some observe room-temperature ferromagnetism, others find magnetization at low temperatures. Some of the reports, however, cast considerable doubt on the magnetism of Mn- and Co-doped ZnO. In order to conclusively establish the properties of Mn- and Co-doped ZnO, samples with 6% and 2% dopant concentrations have been prepared by the low-temperature decomposition of acetate solid solutions. The samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, EDAX and spectroscopic methods to ensure that the dopants are substitutional. All the Mn- and Co-doped ZnO samples (prepared at 400 °C and 500 °C) fail to show ferromagnetism. Instead, their magnetic properties are best described by a Curie–Weiss type behavior. It appears unlikely that these materials would be useful for spintronics, unless additional carriers are introduced by some means.
Patent•
24 Feb 2005
TL;DR: In this article, a method and system for providing a magnetic element that can be used in a magnetic memory is disclosed, which includes pinned, nonmagnetic spacer, and free layers.
Abstract: A method and system for providing a magnetic element that can be used in a magnetic memory is disclosed. The magnetic element includes pinned, nonmagnetic spacer, and free layers. The spacer layer resides between the pinned and free layers. The free layer can be switched using spin transfer when a write current is passed through the magnetic element. The free layer includes a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer. The second ferromagnetic layer has a very high perpendicular anisotropy and an out-of-plane demagnetization energy. The very high perpendicular anisotropy energy is greater than the out-of-plane demagnetization energy of the second layer.
TL;DR: In this paper, the magnetic and ferroelectric properties of CoFe2O4-Pb(Zr,Ti)O-3 composite thin films have been analyzed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.
Abstract: Magnetoelectric (ME) CoFe2O4-Pb(Zr,Ti)O-3 composite thin films have been prepared by a sol-gel process and spin-coating technique. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy reveal that there exists local aggregation or phase separation of the CoFe2O4 and Pb(Zr,Ti)O-3 phases in the films. Vibrating sample magnetometer, ferroelectric test unit, and magnetoelectric measuring device were used to characterize the magnetic and ferroelectric properties, as well as the ME effect of the films. It is shown that the films exhibit both good magnetic and ferroelectric properties, as well as a ME effect. A high initial magnetoelectric voltage coefficient for the film is observed. The ME effect of the film strongly depends on the magnetic bias and magnetic field frequency. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.
TL;DR: In this article, the changes in the electronic structure induced by lattice defects in graphene planes were studied and it was shown that lattice distortions give rise to localized states at the Fermi level.
Abstract: We study the changes in the electronic structure induced by lattice defects in graphene planes. In many cases, lattice distortions give rise to localized states at the Fermi level. Electron-electron interactions lead to the existence of local moments. The RKKY interaction between these moments is always ferromagnetic, due to the semimetallic properties of graphene.
TL;DR: In this article, a phase diagram of the perovskite GdBaCo 2 O 5+x (GBCO) with Co ions in the 3+ state is presented, where the authors show that at low temperatures, the homogeneous distribution of doped carriers becomes unstable, and both the magnetic and transport properties point to an intriguing nanoscopic phase separation.
Abstract: Single crystals of the layered perovskite GdBaCo_{2}O_{5+x} (GBCO) have been grown by the floating-zone method, and their transport, magnetic, and structural properties have been studied in detail over a wide range of oxygen contents. The obtained data are used to establish a rich phase diagram centered at the "parent'' compound GdBaCo_{2}O_{5.5} -- an insulator with Co ions in the 3+ state. An attractive feature of GBCO is that it allows a precise and continuous doping of CoO_{2} planes with either electrons or holes, spanning a wide range from the charge-ordered insulator at 50% electron doping (x=0) to the undoped band insulator (x=0.5), and further towards the heavily hole-doped metallic state. This continuous doping is clearly manifested in the behavior of thermoelectric power which exhibits a spectacular divergence with approaching x=0.5, where it reaches large absolute values and abruptly changes its sign. At low temperatures, the homogeneous distribution of doped carriers in GBCO becomes unstable, and both the magnetic and transport properties point to an intriguing nanoscopic phase separation. We also find that throughout the composition range the magnetic behavior in GBCO is governed by a delicate balance between ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AF) interactions, which can be easily affected by temperature, doping, or magnetic field, bringing about FM-AF transitions and a giant magnetoresistance (MR) phenomenon. An exceptionally strong uniaxial anisotropy of the Co spins, which dramatically simplifies the possible spin arrangements, together with the possibility of continuous ambipolar doping turn GBCO into a model system for studying the competing magnetic interactions, nanoscopic phase separation and accompanying magnetoresistance phenomena.
TL;DR: These findings strongly suggest that excitations in which the spins rotate stimulate superconductivity in the neighborhood of a quantum phase transition under high magnetic field.
Abstract: In several metals, including URhGe, superconductivity has recently been observed to appear and coexist with ferromagnetism at temperatures well below that at which the ferromagnetic state forms. However, the material characteristics leading to such a state of coexistence have not yet been fully elucidated. We report that in URhGe there is a magnetic transition where the direction of the spin axis changes when a magnetic field of 12 tesla is applied parallel to the crystal b axis. We also report that a second pocket of superconductivity occurs at low temperature for a range of fields enveloping this magnetic transition, well above the field of 2 tesla at which superconductivity is first destroyed. Our findings strongly suggest that excitations in which the spins rotate stimulate superconductivity in the neighborhood of a quantum phase transition under high magnetic field.
TL;DR: The synthetic strategy presented here may be extended to a variety of materials such as YBCO, PZT, and LCMO which should provide ideal candidates for fundamental studies of superconductivity, piezoelectricity, and ferromagnetism in nanoscale structures.
Abstract: We descried a method to synthesize single crystalline Fe3O4 nanotubes by wet-etching the MgO inner cores of MgO/Fe3O4 core−shell nanowires. Homogeneous Fe3O4 nanotubes with controllable length, diameter, and wall thickness have been obtained. Resistivity of the Fe3O4 nanotubes was estimated to be ∼4 × 10-2 Ω cm at room temperature. Magnetoresistance of ∼1% was observed at T = 77 K when a magnetic field of B = 0.7 T was applied. The synthetic strategy presented here may be extended to a variety of materials such as YBCO, PZT, and LCMO which should provide ideal candidates for fundamental studies of superconductivity, piezoelectricity, and ferromagnetism in nanoscale structures.
TL;DR: In this article, a mechanism alternative to current-induced magnetization switching was proposed, providing access to a wide range of device impedance values and opening the possibility of simple logic functions.
Abstract: Magnetoelectric films are proposed as key components for spintronic applications. The net magnetic moment created by an electric field in a magnetoelectric thin film influences the magnetization state of a neighbouring ferromagnetic layer through exchange coupling. Pure electrical control of magnetic configurations of giant magnetoresistance spin valves and tunnelling magnetoresistance elements is therefore achievable. Estimates based on documented magnetoelectric tensor values show that exchange fields reaching 100 mT can be obtained. We propose a mechanism alternative to current-induced magnetization switching, providing access to a wide range of device impedance values and opening the possibility of simple logic functions.
04 Apr 2005
TL;DR: In this article, the magnetic properties of small Nd-Fe-B sintered magnet were investigated and it was found that small grains of around 5 /spl mu/m showed rather higher magnetic performance after machining into small pieces with a surface area/volume ratio of 20-35 mm/sup -1/
Abstract: Magnetic properties of small Nd-Fe-B sintered magnets were investigated. Thickness of surface damaged layer, which shows low coercivity and causes the deterioration in magnetic properties, was found to be comparable to mean grain size of sintered bodies. Magnets with small grains of around 5 /spl mu/m showed rather higher magnetic performance after machining into small pieces with a surface area/volume ratio of 20-35 mm/sup -1/. Chemical etching with a nitric acid solution was effective in partial recovery of magnetic properties through bringing slightly higher coercivity of surface grains. Heat treatment at higher temperatures than the melting point of Nd-rich phase and subsequent aging enhanced the coercivity of surface grains. Coating with powders of Dy/sub 2/O/sub 3/, DyF/sub 3/, or TbF/sub 3/ before the heat treatment resulted in a great enhancement in coercivity without significant reduction in remanence.
TL;DR: In this paper, a model of magnetic interactions in the ordered ferromagnetic FePt is proposed on the basis of first-principles calculations of non-collinear magnetic configurations and shown to be capable of explaining recent measurements of magnetic-anisotropy energy (MAE).
Abstract: A model of magnetic interactions in the ordered ferromagnetic FePt is proposed on the basis of first-principles calculations of non-collinear magnetic configurations and shown to be capable of explaining recent measurements of magnetic-anisotropy energy (MAE). The site (Fe,Pt) resolved contributions to the MAE have been distinguished with small Fe easy-plane and large Pt easy-axis terms. This model has been tested against available experimental data on the temperature dependence of MAE showing scaling of uniaxial MAE (K1(T)) with magnetization (M(T)) K1(T) ~ M(T)γ characterized by the unusual exponent of γ = 2.1. It is shown that this unusual behavior of the FePt can be quantitatively explained within the proposed model and originates from an effective anisotropic exchange mediated by the induced Pt moment. The latter is expected to be a common feature of 3d-5d(4d) alloys having 5d/4d elements with large spin-orbit coupling and exchange-enhanced Stoner susceptibility.
TL;DR: The results indicate that asymmetric hysteresis loops are intrinsic to exchange-biased systems and the competition between anisotropies determines the asymmetric behavior of the magnetization reversal.
Abstract: The magnetization reversal in exchange-biased ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic (FM-AFM) bilayers is investigated. Different reversal pathways on each branch of the hysteresis loop, i.e., asymmetry, are obtained both experimentally and theoretically when the magnetic field is applied at certain angles from the anisotropy direction. The range of angles and the magnitude of this asymmetry are determined by the ratio between the FM anisotropy and the interfacial FM-AFM exchange anisotropy. The occurrence of asymmetry is linked with the appearance of irreversibility, i.e., finite coercivity, as well as with the maximum of exchange bias, increasing for larger anisotropy ratios. Our results indicate that asymmetric hysteresis loops are intrinsic to exchange-biased systems and the competition between anisotropies determines the asymmetric behavior of the magnetization reversal.
TL;DR: It is experimentally shown that the room temperature ferromagnetism in the Mn-Zn-O system recently observed is associated with the coexistence of Mn(3+) and Mn(4+) via a double-exchange mechanism.
Abstract: In this Letter, we experimentally show that the room temperature ferromagnetism in the Mn-Zn-O system recently observed is associated with the coexistence of Mn(3+) and Mn(4+) via a double-exchange mechanism. The presence of the ZnO around MnO(2) modifies the kinetics of MnO(2)-->Mn(2)O(3) reduction and favors the coexistence of both Mn oxidation states. The ferromagnetic phase is associated with the interface formed at the Zn diffusion front into Mn oxide, corroborated by preparing thin film multilayers that exhibit saturation magnetization 2 orders of magnitude higher than bulk samples.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the design of a magnetic ferroelectric with large spontaneous magnetization and polarization using first-principles density functional theory, and show that the ordered perovskite Bi2FeCrO6 will have a polarization of ∼80μC∕cm2, a piezoelectric coefficient of 283μC ∕ cm2, and a magnetization of ∼160emu∕ cm3 (2μB per formula unit), far exceeding the properties of any known multiferroic.
Abstract: We describe the design of a magnetic ferroelectric with large spontaneous magnetization and polarization using first-principles density functional theory. The usual difficulties associated with the production of robustly insulating ferromagnets are circumvented by incorporating the magnetism through ferrimagnetic behavior. We show that the ordered perovskite Bi2FeCrO6 will have a polarization of ∼80μC∕cm2, a piezoelectric coefficient of 283μC∕cm2, and a magnetization of ∼160emu∕cm3 (2μB per formula unit), far exceeding the properties of any known multiferroic.