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

C. Dufour, M. R. Fitzsimmons, J. A. Borchers, Mark Laver, K. L. Krycka, K. Dumesnil, S. M. Watson, W. C. Chen, J. Won, S. Singh

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    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.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalPhysical Review B Condensed Matter
    Volume84
    Issue number6
    Pages (from-to)064420
    ISSN0163-1829
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2011

    Keywords

    • Superconducting materials

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