Nanometer-size magnetic domains and coherent magnetization reversal in a giant exchange-bias system

TY - JOUR

T1 - Nanometer-size magnetic domains and coherent magnetization reversal in a giant exchange-bias system

AU - Dufour...[et al.], C.

AU - Fitzimmons, M.R.

AU - Borchers, J. A.

AU - Laver, M.

PY - 2011/8/23

Y1 - 2011/8/23

N2 - The role of magnetic domains and domain walls in exchange bias has stimulated much contemporary deliberation. Here we present compelling evidence obtained with small-angle scattering of unpolarized- and polarized-neutron beams that magnetization reversal occurs via formation of 10-100s nm-sized magnetic domains in an exchange-biased DyFe2/YFe2 superlattice. The reversal mechanism is observed to involve rotation of magnetization in and out of the sample plane. Remarkably, the domains are arranged in a quasiperiodic manner in the plane of the sample. The length scale of domain formation is similar to that of structural defects at the seed-layer-superlattice interface.

AB - The role of magnetic domains and domain walls in exchange bias has stimulated much contemporary deliberation. Here we present compelling evidence obtained with small-angle scattering of unpolarized- and polarized-neutron beams that magnetization reversal occurs via formation of 10-100s nm-sized magnetic domains in an exchange-biased DyFe2/YFe2 superlattice. The reversal mechanism is observed to involve rotation of magnetization in and out of the sample plane. Remarkably, the domains are arranged in a quasiperiodic manner in the plane of the sample. The length scale of domain formation is similar to that of structural defects at the seed-layer-superlattice interface.

U2 - 10.1103/physrevb.84.064420

DO - 10.1103/physrevb.84.064420

M3 - Journal article

SN - 2469-9950

VL - 84

SP - 064420

JO - Physical Review B

JF - Physical Review B

IS - 6

ER -