MFM observation of perpendicular magnetization and antiferromagnetically coupled domains in Co/Ru superlattices

S. Hamada, K. Himi, T. Okuno, K. Takanashi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The Co(m ML)/Ru(n ML) superlattice systems, where m and n are integers (=1-5) and ML means monolayer, show a drastic transition of the Co spin structure, depending on m and n: interlayer ferromagnetic (F) and antiferromagnetic (AF) spin alignments with perpendicular magnetization. We have succeeded in the observation of magnetic microstructures much different between the F and AF coupled multilayer films by means of magnetic force microscopy. Interconnected and segmented stripe domains, which are typical for a ferromagnetic thin film with perpendicular anisotropy, are observed for the F coupled films with their stripe widths around 80nm. On the other hand, antiferromagnetically coupled domains (i.e., laterally ferromagnetic domains but with interlayer antiparallel coupling with perpendicular magnetization) are observed for the AF coupled films. The shape of domains for the AF coupled films is rather irregular, and the size exceeds 1μm typically.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)539-542
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials
Volume240
Issue number1-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002 Feb

Keywords

  • Antiferromagnetically coupled domains
  • Interlayer antiferromagnetic coupling
  • Magnetic force microscopy
  • Magnetization curves
  • Micromagnetic structures
  • Multilayer films
  • Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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