Showing papers on "Magnetic anisotropy published in 2011"

Perpendicular switching of a single ferromagnetic layer induced by in-plane current injection

Abstract: Modern computing technology is based on writing, storing and retrieving information encoded as magnetic bits. Although the giant magnetoresistance effect has improved the electrical read out of memory elements, magnetic writing remains the object of major research efforts. Despite several reports of methods to reverse the polarity of nanosized magnets by means of local electric fields and currents, the simple reversal of a high-coercivity, single-layer ferromagnet remains a challenge. Materials with large coercivity and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy represent the mainstay of data storage media, owing to their ability to retain a stable magnetization state over long periods of time and their amenability to miniaturization. However, the same anisotropy properties that make a material attractive for storage also make it hard to write to. Here we demonstrate switching of a perpendicularly magnetized cobalt dot driven by in-plane current injection at room temperature. Our device is composed of a thin cobalt layer with strong perpendicular anisotropy and Rashba interaction induced by asymmetric platinum and AlOx interface layers. The effective switching field is orthogonal to the direction of the magnetization and to the Rashba field. The symmetry of the switching field is consistent with the spin accumulation induced by the Rashba interaction and the spin-dependent mobility observed in non-magnetic semiconductors, as well as with the torque induced by the spin Hall effect in the platinum layer. Our measurements indicate that the switching efficiency increases with the magnetic anisotropy of the cobalt layer and the oxidation of the aluminium layer, which is uppermost, suggesting that the Rashba interaction has a key role in the reversal mechanism. To prove the potential of in-plane current switching for spintronic applications, we construct a reprogrammable magnetic switch that can be integrated into non-volatile memory and logic architectures. This device is simple, scalable and compatible with present-day magnetic recording technology.

Exploiting single-ion anisotropy in the design of f-element single-molecule magnets

Abstract: Scientists have long employed lanthanide elements in the design of materials with extraordinary magnetic properties, including the strongest magnets known, SmCo5 and Nd2Fe14B. The properties of these materials are largely a product of fine-tuning the interaction between the lanthanide ion and the crystal lattice. Recently, synthetic chemists have begun to utilize f-elements—both lanthanides and actinides—for the construction of single-molecule magnets, resulting in a rapid expansion of the field. The desirable magnetic characteristics of the f-elements are contingent upon the interaction between the single-ion electron density and the crystal field environment in which it is placed. This interaction leads to the single-ion anisotropies requisite for strong single-molecule magnets. Therefore, it is of vital importance to understand the particular crystal field environments that could lead to maximization of the anisotropy for individual f-elements. Here, we summarize a qualitative method for predicting the ligand architectures that will generate magnetic anisotropy for a variety of f-element ions. It is hoped that this simple model will serve to guide the design of stronger single-molecule magnets incorporating the f-elements.

Hierarchical Dendrite-Like Magnetic Materials of Fe3O4, γ-Fe2O3, and Fe with High Performance of Microwave Absorption

Abstract: Iron-based microstructured or nanostructured materials, including Fe, γ-Fe2O3, and Fe3O4, are highly desirable for magnetic applications because of their high magnetization and a wide range of magnetic anisotropy. An important application of these materials is use as an electromagnetic wave absorber to absorb radar waves in the centimeter wave (2−18 GHz). Dendrite-like microstructures were achieved with the phase transformation from dendritic α-Fe2O3 to Fe3O4, Fe by partial and full reduction, and γ-Fe2O3 by a reduction−oxidation process, while still preserving the dendritic morphology. The investigation of the magnetic properties and microwave absorbability reveals that the three hierarchical microstructures are typical ferromagnets and exhibit excellent microwave absorbability. In addition, this also confirms that the microwave absorption properties are ascribed to the dielectric loss for Fe and the combination of dielectric loss and magnetic loss for Fe3O4 and γ-Fe2O3.

A N23– Radical-Bridged Terbium Complex Exhibiting Magnetic Hysteresis at 14 K

Abstract: The synthesis and magnetic properties of three new N23– radical-bridged dilanthanide complexes, {[(Me3Si)2N]2(THF)Ln}2(μ-η2:η2-N2)− (Ln = Tb, Ho, Er), are reported. All three display signatures of single-molecule-magnet behavior, with the terbium congener exhibiting magnetic hysteresis at 14 K and a 100 s blocking temperature of 13.9 K. The results show how synergizing the strong magnetic anisotropy of terbium(III) with the effective exchange-coupling ability of the N23– radical can create the hardest molecular magnet discovered to date. Through comparisons with non-radical-bridged ac magnetic susceptibility measurements, we show that the magnetic exchange coupling hinders zero-field fast relaxation pathways, forcing thermally activated relaxation behavior over a much broader temperature range.

Simple models for dynamic hysteresis loop calculations of magnetic single-domain nanoparticles: Application to magnetic hyperthermia optimization

Abstract: To optimize the heating properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in magnetic hyperthermia applications, it is necessary to calculate the area of their hysteresis loops in an alternating magnetic field. The separation between “relaxation losses” and “hysteresis losses” presented in several articles is artificial and criticized here. The three types of theories suitable for describing hysteresis loops of MNPs are presented and compared to numerical simulations: equilibrium functions, Stoner–Wohlfarth model based theories (SWMBTs), and a linear response theory (LRT) using the Neel–Brown relaxation time. The configuration where the easy axis of the MNPs is aligned with respect to the magnetic field and the configuration of a random orientation of the easy axis are both studied. Suitable formulas to calculate the hysteresis areas of major cycles are deduced from SWMBTs and from numerical simulations; the domain of validity of the analytical formula is explicitly studied. In the case of minor cycles, the hysteresis area calculations are based on the LRT. A perfect agreement between the LRT and numerical simulations of hysteresis loops is obtained. The domain of validity of the LRT is explicitly studied. Formulas are proposed to calculate the hysteresis area at low field that are valid for any anisotropy of the MNP. The magnetic field dependence of the area is studied using numerical simulations: it follows power laws with a large range of exponents. Then analytical expressions derived from the LRT and SWMBTs are used in their domains of validity for a theoretical study of magnetic hyperthermia. It is shown that LRT is only pertinent for MNPs with strong anisotropy and that SWMBTs should be used for weakly anisotropic MNPs. The optimum volume of MNPs for magnetic hyperthermia is derived as a function of material and experimental parameters. Formulas are proposed to allow to the calculation of the optimum volume for any anisotropy. The maximum achievable specific absorption rate (SAR) is calculated as a function of the MNP anisotropy. It is shown that an optimum anisotropy increases the SAR and reduces the detrimental effects of the size distribution of the MNPs. The optimum anisotropy is simple to calculate; it depends only on the magnetic field used in the hyperthermia experiments and the MNP magnetization. The theoretical optimum parameters are compared to those of several magnetic materials. A brief review of experimental results as well as a method to analyze them is proposed. This study helps in the determination of suitable and unsuitable materials for magnetic hyperthermia and provides accurate formulas to analyze experimental data. It is also aimed at providing a better understanding of magnetic hyperthermia to researchers working on this subject.

Coexistence of magnetic order and two-dimensional superconductivity at LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interfaces

Abstract: Lanthanum aluminate and strontium titanate are insulators, but when you bring them together, the interface between them becomes a two-dimensional superconductor. Even more surprising, magnetometry and transport measurements show that this superconducting state coexists with magnetic order.

Spin torque switching of perpendicular Ta∣CoFeB∣MgO-based magnetic tunnel junctions

Abstract: Spin torque switching is investigated in perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions using Ta∣CoFeB∣MgO free layers and a synthetic antiferromagnet reference layer. We show that the Ta∣CoFeB interface makes a key contribution to the perpendicular anisotropy. The quasistatic phase diagram for switching under applied field and voltage is reported. Low switching voltages, Vc 50 ns=290 mV are obtained, in the range required for spin torque magnetic random access memory. Switching down to 1 ns is reported, with a rise in switching speed from increased overdrive that is eight times greater than for comparable in-plane devices, consistent with expectations from a single-domain model.

Magnetoresistive element and magnetic memory

Abstract: A magnetoresistive element according to an embodiment includes: a first ferromagnetic layer having an axis of easy magnetization in a direction perpendicular to a film plane; a second ferromagnetic layer having an axis of easy magnetization in a direction perpendicular to a film plane; a nonmagnetic layer placed between the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer; a first interfacial magnetic layer placed between the first ferromagnetic layer and the nonmagnetic layer; and a second interfacial magnetic layer placed between the second ferromagnetic layer and the nonmagnetic layer The first interfacial magnetic layer includes a first interfacial magnetic film, a second interfacial magnetic film placed between the first interfacial magnetic film and the nonmagnetic layer and having a different composition from that of the first interfacial magnetic film, and a first nonmagnetic film placed between the first interfacial magnetic film and the second interfacial magnetic film

Hard Magnetic Materials: A Perspective

Abstract: The principles of operation of permanent magnets are summarized, and their development is reviewed. The key figure of merit, the energy product, improved exponentially over much of the 20th century, doubling roughly every 12 years. Yet it has not improved significantly in the last 20 years. Constraints on further development are explained, together with the limits of 1/4 μ0/Ms2 on energy product and 2K1/μ0Ms on coercivity, where K1 is the uniaxial anisotropy constant and Ms is the spontaneous magnetization. The challenge of making rare-earth free magnets with a large energy product is discussed, as well as nanocomposite megajoule magnets and the development of new magnetically hard thin-films with perpendicular anisotropy which are potentially interesting for spin electronics or magnetic recording.

Magnetic properties of sedimentary greigite (Fe3S4): An update

Abstract: Greigite (Fe3S4) is an authigenic ferrimagnetic mineral that grows as a precursor to pyrite during early diagenetic sedimentary sulfate reduction. It can also grow at any time when dissolved iron and sulfide are available during diagenesis. Greigite is important in paleomagnetic, environmental, biological, biogeochemical, tectonic, and industrial processes. Much recent progress has been made in understanding its magnetic properties. Greigite is an inverse spinel and a collinear ferrimagnet with antiferromagnetic coupling between iron in octahedral and tetrahedral sites. The crystallographic c axis is the easy axis of magnetization, with magnetic properties dominated by magnetocrystalline anisotropy. Robust empirical estimates of the saturation magnetization, anisotropy constant, and exchange constant for greigite have been obtained recently for the first time, and the first robust estimate of the low-field magnetic susceptibility is reported here. The Curie temperature of greigite remains unknown but must exceed 350°C. Greigite lacks a low-temperature magnetic transition. On the basis of preliminary micromagnetic modeling, the size range for stable single domain behavior is 17–200 nm for cubic crystals and 17–500 nm for octahedral crystals. Gradual variation in magnetic properties is observed through the pseudo-single-domain size range. We systematically document the known magnetic properties of greigite (at high, ambient, and low temperatures and with alternating and direct fields) and illustrate how grain size variations affect magnetic properties. Recognition of this range of magnetic properties will aid identification and constrain interpretation of magnetic signals carried by greigite, which is increasingly proving to be environmentally important and responsible for complex paleomagnetic records, including widespread remagnetizations.

Magnetic anisotropy in the excited states of low symmetry lanthanide complexes.

Abstract: Ab initio investigation of multiplet spectrum of lanthanides in archetypal coordination geometries shows an unexpected regular structure consisting of (i) mirror symmetry of anisotropic magnetic properties of doublet states, (ii) high magnetic axiality of low-lying and high-lying doublets, comparable to complexes with ideal axial symmetry, and (iii) the strong rotation of the anisotropy axes of individual doublets. The obtained high axiality of the ground doublet states explains the SMM behaviour of low-symmetry lanthanide complexes.

Elastically driven ferromagnetic resonance in nickel thin films.

Abstract: Surface acoustic waves (SAWs) in the GHz frequency range are exploited for the all-elastic excitation and detection of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) in a ferromagnetic-ferroelectric (Ni/LiNbO(3)) hybrid device. We measure the SAW magnetotransmission at room temperature as a function of frequency, external magnetic field magnitude, and orientation. Our data are well described by a modified Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert approach, in which a virtual, strain-induced tickle field drives the magnetization precession. This causes a distinct magnetic field orientation dependence of elastically driven FMR that we observe in both model and experiment.

Large exchange bias after zero-field cooling from an unmagnetized state.

Abstract: Exchange bias (EB) is usually observed in systems with an interface between different magnetic phases after field cooling. Here we report an unusual phenomenon in which a large EB can be observed in Ni-Mn-In bulk alloys after zero-field cooling from an unmagnetized state. We propose that this is related to the newly formed interface between different magnetic phases during the initial magnetization process. The magnetic unidirectional anisotropy, which is the origin of the EB effect, can be created isothermally below the blocking temperature.

Cryogenic magnetocaloric effect in a ferromagnetic molecular dimer.

Abstract: Over the last few years, great interest has emerged in the synthesis and magnetothermal studies of molecular clusters based on paramagnetic ions, often referred to as molecular nanomagnets, in view of their potential application as lowtemperature magnetic refrigerants. What makes them promising is that their cryogenic magnetocaloric effect (MCE) can be considerably larger than that of any other magnetic refrigerant, for example, lanthanide alloys and magnetic nanoparticles. The MCE is the change of magnetic entropy (DSm) and related adiabatic temperature (DTad) in response to the change of applied magnetic field, and it can be exploited for cooling applications via a field-removal process called adiabatic demagnetization. Although the MCE is intrinsic to any magnetic material, in only a few cases are the changes sufficiently large to make them suitable for applications. The ideal molecular refrigerant comprises the following key characteristics: 1) a large spin ground state S, since the magnetic entropy amounts to R ln(2S+1); 2) a negligible magnetic anisotropy, which permits easy polarization of the net molecular spins in magnetic fields of weak or moderate strength; 3) the presence of low-lying excited spin states, which enhances the field dependence of the MCE owing to the increased number of populated spin states; 4) dominant ferromagnetic exchange, favoring a large S and hence a large field dependence of the MCE; 5) a relatively low molecular mass (or a large metal/ligand mass ratio), since the nonmagnetic ligands contribute passively to the MCE. Although this last point is crucial for obtaining an enhanced effect, it has beenmostly ignored to date. Molecular cluster compounds tend to have a very low magnetic density because of the large complex structural frameworks required to encase the multinuclear magnetic core. Herein we propose a drastically different approach by focusing on the simple and well-known ferromagnetic molecular dimer gadolinium acetate tetrahydrate, [{Gd(OAc)3(H2O)2}2]·4H2O (1). [4a,b] The structure of 1 (Figure 1) com-

A delocalized arene-bridged diuranium single-molecule magnet

Abstract: Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) are compounds that, below a blocking temperature, exhibit stable magnetization purely of molecular origin, and not caused by long-range ordering of magnetic moments in the bulk. They thus show promise for applications such as data storage of ultra-high density. The stability of the magnetization increases with increasing ground-state spin and magnetic anisotropy. Transition-metal SMMs typically possess high-spin ground states, but insufficient magnetic anisotropies. Lanthanide SMMs exhibit large magnetic anisotropies, but building high-spin ground states is difficult because they tend to form ionic bonds that limit magnetic exchange coupling. In contrast, the significant covalent bonding and large spin–orbit contributions associated with uranium are particularly attractive for the development of improved SMMs. Here we report a delocalized arene-bridged diuranium SMM. This study demonstrates that arene-bridged polyuranium clusters can exhibit SMM behaviour without relying on the superexchange coupling of spins. This approach may lead to increased blocking temperatures. Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) are multinuclear clusters whose behaviour typically relies on intramolecular spin-coupling interactions between neighbouring metal ions. A diuranium–arene complex has now been prepared that shows behaviour characteristic of an SMM without relying on this type of superexchange mechanism. This may enable the construction of SMMs that maintain their magnetism at higher temperatures.

Giant electric-field-induced reversible and permanent magnetization reorientation on magnetoelectric Ni/(011) [Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3](1−x)–[PbTiO3]x heterostructure

Abstract: We report giant reversible and permanent magnetic anisotropy reorientation in a magnetoelectric polycrystalline Ni thin film and (011)-oriented [Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3](1−x)–[PbTiO3]x heterostructure. The electric-field-induced magnetic anisotropy exhibits a 300 Oe anisotropy field and a 50% change in magnetic remanence. The important feature is that these changes in magnetization states are stable without the application of an electric field and can be reversibly switched by an electric field near a critical value (±Ecr). This giant reversible and permanent magnetization change is due to remanent strain originating from a non-180° ferroelectric polarization reorientation when operating the ferroelectric substrate in a specific non-linear regime below the electric coercive field.

Rotational symmetry breaking in the hidden-order phase of URu2Si2.

Abstract: A second-order phase transition is characterized by spontaneous symmetry breaking. The nature of the broken symmetry in the so-called “hidden-order” phase transition in the heavy-fermion compound URu2Si2, at transition temperature Th = 17.5 K, has posed a long-standing mystery. We report the emergence of an in-plane anisotropy of the magnetic susceptibility below Th, which breaks the four-fold rotational symmetry of the tetragonal URu2Si2. Two-fold oscillations in the magnetic torque under in-plane field rotation were sensitively detected in small pure crystals. Our findings suggest that the hidden-order phase is an electronic “nematic” phase, a translationally invariant metallic phase with spontaneous breaking of rotational symmetry.

Ferromagnetic resonance and damping properties of CoFeB thin films as free layers in MgO-based magnetic tunnel junctions

Abstract: We have investigated the magnetization dynamics of sputtered Co40Fe40B20 thin films in a wide range of thicknesses used as free layers in MgO-based magnetic tunnel junctions, with the technique of broadband ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). We have observed a large interface-induced magnetic perpendicular anisotropy in the thin film limit. The out-of-plane angular dependence of the FMR measurement revealed the contributions of two different damping mechanisms in thick and thin film limits. In thinner films (<2 nm), two-magnon scattering and inhomogeneous broadening are significant for the FMR linewidth, while the Gilbert damping dominates the linewidth in thicker films (� 4n m). Lastly, we have observed an inverse scaling of Gilbert damping constant with film thickness, and an intrinsic damping constant of 0.004 in the CoFeB alloy film is determined. V C 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3615961]

Switching current reduction using perpendicular anisotropy in CoFeB-MgO magnetic tunnel junctions

Abstract: We present in-plane CoFeB–MgO magnetic tunnel junctions with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in the free layer to reduce the spin transfer induced switching current. The tunneling magnetoresistance ratio, resistance-area product, and switching current densities are compared in magnetic tunnel junctions with different CoFeB compositions. The effects of CoFeB free layer thickness on its magnetic anisotropy and current-induced switching characteristics are studied by vibrating sample magnetometry and electrical transport measurements on patterned elliptical nanopillar devices. Switching current densities ∼4 MA/cm2 are obtained at 10 ns write times.

Wheel-shaped ErIIIZnII3 single-molecule magnet: A macrocyclic approach to designing magnetic anisotropy

Abstract: Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) are chemically and physically interesting compounds that exhibit hitherto unobserved magnetic properties. To prevent reversal of the molecular magnetic moment, the use of heavy lanthanide ions is becoming popular because of their large spin multiplicity and large magnetic anisotropies in the ground state. Lanthanide ions exhibit flexibility in magnetic anisotropy, which is another advantage of Ln-based SMMs that is attributable to the flexible design and control of the ligandfield (LF) anisotropy. These anisotropies are correlated through Stevens factor qm as B n m 1⁄4 Am r h iqm, where Bm denotes the mth-order magnetic anisotropy parameters (m is 2, 4, or 6 for lanthanide ions; n varies between 0 and m ; second-order terms of B2 and B 2 2 correspond to the axial and rhombic anisotropic parameters D and E), and Am r m h i denotes the LF anisotropy parameters. Therefore, Ln complexes have a wide scope in the synthetic design of anisotropic magnets. Although many complexes including one or more heavy lanthanide ions are reported to be SMMs, most of them were synthesized in a fortuitous manner without design of the magnetic anisotropy. We have demonstrated previously that an axial LF, whereby donor atoms with higher negative charges are located along the principal axis, induces a strong Ising-type anisotropy of Tb and Dy ions. This type of LF anisotropy is easily achieved in an accidental manner, and thus a wide variety of Tb and Dy SMMs have been reported. On the contrary, Er-based SMMs are rare. When the second-order anisotropy terms are dominant, magnetic anisotropy of the Er ion has opposite features to those of Tb and Dy ions, since the q2 parameter of the Er III

Metal-semiconductor transition in NiFe2O4 nanoparticles due to reverse cationic distribution by impedance spectroscopy

Abstract: We have investigated the magnetic and electrical response of the sol-gel synthesized NiFe2O4 nanoparticles. Changes in the impedance plane plots with temperature have been discussed and correlated to the microstructure of the material. Thermally activated hopping carriers between Fe3+-Fe2+ and Ni2+-Ni3+ ions have been determined for a decrease in the resistance of the sample and a change in the conduction mechanism around 318 K. The mixed spinel structure and broken exchange bonds due to small size effects are due to the canted spin structure at the surface of the nanoparticles. The magnetization is found to be influenced by the surface spin canting and anisotropy. We have established the semiconducting to metallic transition (SMT) temperature to be around 358 K in terms of localized and delocalized eg electrons along with a transition from less conductive [Fe3+–O2−–Fe3+] and [Ni2+–O2−–Ni2+] linkage to more conductive [Fe3+–Fe2+] and [Ni2+–Ni3+] linkage at the octahedral B site. A decrease in the dielectr...

Hyperthermic effects of dissipative structures of magnetic nanoparticles in large alternating magnetic fields

Abstract: Targeted hyperthermia treatment using magnetic nanoparticles is a promising cancer therapy. However, the mechanisms of heat dissipation in the large alternating magnetic field used during such treatment have not been clarified. In this study, we numerically compared the magnetic loss in rotatable nanoparticles in aqueous media with that of non-rotatable nanoparticles anchored to localised structures. In the former, the relaxation loss in superparamagnetic nanoparticles has a secondary maximum because of slow rotation of the magnetic easy axis of each nanoparticle in the large field in addition to the known primary maximum caused by rapid Neel relaxation. Irradiation of rotatable ferromagnetic nanoparticles with a high-frequency axial field generates structures oriented in a longitudinal or planar direction irrespective of the free energy. Consequently, these dissipative structures significantly affect the conditions for maximum hysteresis loss. These findings shed new light on the design of targeted magnetic hyperthermia treatments.

Structural Design of Easy‐Axis Magnetic Anisotropy and Determination of Anisotropic Parameters of LnIII ? CuII Single‐Molecule Magnets

Abstract: Four dinuclear Ln(III)-Cu(II) complexes with Ln=Tb (1), Dy (2), Ho (3), and Er (4) were synthesized to investigate the relationship between their respective magnetic anisotropies and ligand-field geometries. These complexes were crystallographically isostructural, and a uni-axial ligand field was achieved by using three phenoxo oxygen groups. Complexes 1 and 2 displayed typical single-molecule magnet (SMM) behaviors, of which the out-of-phase susceptibilities were observed in the temperature range of 1.8-5.0 K (1) and 1.8-20.0 K (2). The Cole-Cole plots exhibited a semicircular shape with α parameters in the range of 0.08-0.18 (2.6-4.0 K) and 0.07-0.24 (3.5-7.0 K). The energy barriers Δ/k(B) were estimated from the Arrhenius plots to be 32.9(4) K for 1 and 26.0(5) K for 2. Complex 3 displayed a slow magnetic relaxation below 3.0 K, whereas complex 4 did not show any frequency-dependent behavior for both in-phase and out-of-phase susceptibilities, which indicates that easy-axis anisotropy was absent. The temperature dependence of the dc susceptibilities for the field-aligned samples of 1-3 revealed that the χ(M) T value continuously increased as the temperature was lowered, which indicates the presence of low-lying Stark sublevels with the highest |J(z) | values. In contrast, complex 4 displayed a smaller and temperature-independent χ(M) T value, which also indicates that easy-axis anisotropy was absent. Simultaneous analyses were carried out for 1-3 to determine the magnetic anisotropy parameters on the basis of the Hamiltonian that considers B(2) (0) , B(4) (0) , and B(6) (0) .

Electrical control of reversible and permanent magnetization reorientation for magnetoelectric memory devices

Abstract: We report giant reversible and permanent magnetic anisotropy reorientation between two perpendicular easy axes in a magnetoelectric polycrystalline Ni thin film and (011) oriented [Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3](1−x)-[PbTiO3]x (PMN-PT) heterostructure. The PMN-PT is partially poled prior to Ni film deposition to provide a remanent strain bias. Following Ni deposition and full poling of the sample, two giant remanent strains of equal and opposite values are used to reversibly and permanently reorient the magnetization state of the Ni film. These experimental results are integrated into micromagnetic simulation to demonstrate the usefulness of this approach for magnetoelectric based magnetic random access memory.

Pattern Transfer and Electric‐Field‐Induced Magnetic Domain Formation in Multiferroic Heterostructures

Abstract: IO N The ability to tailor magnetic properties via coupling to ferroelectric domains is of great interest for the design of electric-fi eld-tunable magnetic devices. Imprinting of ferroelectric domains into continuous magnetic fi lms would enable local control over magnetization dynamics but requires interfacial coupling to overcome exchange and magnetostatic interactions within the ferromagnet. Here, we demonstrate full pattern transfer and electric-fi eld-induced magnetic domain formation in multiferroic heterostructures consisting of a ferroelectric substrate and a thin magnetic fi lm. Simultaneous imaging of ferroelectric and ferromagnetic domains and local magnetization reversal analysis using polarization microscopy reveals strong lateral modulations of magnetic hysteresis due to strain coupling to the underlying ferroelectric substrate. While the magnetic confi guration is an exact copy of the ferroelectric domain structure in the as-deposited state, new magnetic domains form when an external electric fi eld is applied. In fact, the electric-fi eld response of the magnetic fi lm is characterized by a superposition of two patterns, one that mirrors the current ferroelectric domain confi guration (electric-fi eld induced pattern) and another that refl ects the ferroelectric domain structure during deposition (growth-induced pattern). This ability to electrically write magnetic domains in continuous magnetic fi lms opens up new avenues for electric-fi eld control of magnetic functionalities and provides a framework for the exploration of ferroelectric, ferroelastic, and ferromagnetic domain interactions in multiferroic heterostructures. Domain formation and hysteresis in magnetic thin fi lms depend on internal material parameters (exchange stiffness, magnetization), fi lm thickness and shape (magnetostatics), and various other sources of magnetic anisotropy including crystal symmetry, lattice deformations (strain), and interfaces. [ 1 ] The interplay between these fi lm properties and an external magnetic fi eld usually results in a laterally uniform energy landscape with random dispersions due to defects and interface roughness. The magnetic hysteresis therefore depends little on sample position. Area-specifi c magnetic responses in continuous fi lms require a local modifi cation of the magnetic properties. This can be accomplished, for example, by the growth of ferromagnetic fi lms onto prepatterned substrates [ 2 ] or by local ion irradiation. [ 3–5 ] In these cases, the magnetic anisotropy remains fi xed after sample preparation. Interface strain

Tunable magnonic frequency and damping in [Co/Pd]8 multilayers with variable Co layer thickness

Abstract: We report the experimental observation of collective picosecond magnetization dynamics in [Co/Pd]8 multilayers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The precession frequency shows large and systematic variation from about 5 GHz to about 90 GHz with the decrease in the Co layer thickness from 1.0 to 0.22 nm due to the linear increase in the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The damping coefficient α is found to be inversely proportional to the Co layer thickness and a linear relation between the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and α is established. We discuss the possible reasons behind the enhanced damping as the d-d hybridization at the interface and spin pumping. These observations are significant for the applications of these materials in spintronics and magnonic crystals.

Magnetic state of the structural separated anion-deficient La 0.70 Sr 0.30 MnO 2.85 manganite

Abstract: The results of neutron diffraction studies of the La0.70Sr0.30MnO2.85 compound and its behavior in an external magnetic field are stated. It is established that in the 4–300 K temperature range, two structural perovskite phases coexist in the sample, which differ in symmetry (groups $$R\bar 3c$$ and I4/mcm). The reason for the phase separation is the clustering of oxygen vacancies. The temperature (4–300 K) and field (0–140 kOe) dependences of the specific magnetic moment are measured. It is found that in zero external field, the magnetic state of La0.70Sr0.30MnO2.85 is a cluster spin glass, which is the result of frustration of Mn3+-O-Mn3+ exchange interactions. An increase in external magnetic field up to 10 kOe leads to fragmentation of ferromagnetic clusters and then to an increase in the degree of polarization of local spins of manganese and the emergence of long-range ferromagnetic order. With increasing magnetic field up to 140 kOe, the magnetic ordering temperature reaches 160 K. The causes of the structural and magnetic phase separation of this composition and formation mechanism of its spin-glass magnetic state are analyzed.

Temperature- and magnetic-field-induced magnetization reversal in perovskite YFe0.5Cr0.5O3

Abstract: Perovskite YFe0.5Cr0.5O3 exhibits magnetization reversal at low applied fields due to the competition between the single ion magnetic anisotropy and the antisymmetric Dzyaloshinsky–Moriya interaction. Below a compensation temperature (Tcomp), a tunable bipolar switching of magnetization is demonstrated by changing the magnitude of the field while keeping it in the same direction. The present compound also displays both normal and inverse magnetocaloric effects above and below 260 K, respectively. These phenomena coexisting in a single magnetic system can be tuned in a predictable manner and have potential applications in electromagnetic devices.