Ferromagnetism at the interfaces of antiferromagnetic FeRh epilayers

R. Fan, C. J. Kinane, T. R. Charlton, R. Dorner, M. Ali, M. A. De Vries, R. M.D. Brydson, C. H. Marrows, B. J. Hickey, D. A. Arena, B. K. Tanner, G. Nisbet, S. Langridge

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

119 Scopus citations

Abstract

The nanoscale magnetic structure of FeRh epilayers has been studied by polarized neutron reflectometry. Epitaxial films with a nominal thickness of 500Å were grown on MgO (001) substrates via molecular-beam epitaxy and capped with 20Å of MgO. The FeRh films show a clear transition from the antiferromagnetic (AF) state to the ferromagnetic (FM) state with increasing temperature. Surprisingly the films possess a FM moment even at a temperature 80 K below the AF-FM transition temperature of the film. We have quantified the magnitude and spatial extent of this FM moment, which is confined to within ∼60-80Å of the FeRh near the top and bottom interfaces. These interfacial FM layers account for the unusual effects previously observed in films with thickness <100Å. Given the delicate energy balance between the AF and FM ground states we suggest a metastable FM state resides near to the interface within an AF matrix. The length scale over which the FM region resides is consistent with the strained regions of the film.

Original languageEnglish
Article number184418
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume82
Issue number18
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 12 2010
Externally publishedYes

Funding

FundersFunder number
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research CouncilEP/G005176/1, EP/D50578X/1, EP/G065640/1

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