Abstract
The atomic structure and magnetic properties of Fe/Mn superlattices are presented. X-ray diffraction and modelling have been performed, and the Fe/Mn superlattices are found to have atomically flat interfaces, with the Mn stabilised in the body-centred tetragonal structure. We have studied the ordering of the ferromagnetic Fe blocks. Either an antiferromagnetic, ferromagnetic or non-colinear magnetic structure is found, depending on Mn thickness. The antiferromagnetic ordering of the Mn has been studied by neutron diffraction in a superlattice of composition [Fe (12 Å) / Mn (6 Å)]300. A totally unexpected magnetic structure is obtained, with Mn moments perpendicular to those of Fe. On the basis of these results, the simple antiferromagnetic ordering assumed for other exchange-biased systems should, therefore, be reconsidered.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2207-2209 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials |
Volume | 310 |
Issue number | 2 SUPPL. PART 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Fe/Mn
- Magnetism
- Superlattice