Magnetic ordering in Fe/Mn superlattices

Simon Lee, J. P. Goff, G. J. McIntyre, R. C. Ward, M. R. Wells, T. Charlton, R. Dalgliesh, D. Mannix, N. Kernavanois

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2207-2209
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials
Volume310
Issue number2 SUPPL. PART 3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fe/Mn
  • Magnetism
  • Superlattice

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