Electronic band structure and spin-density maps of SmCo5

We present first-principles calculations on SmCo₅ using the self-consistent full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FPLAPW) method. We systematically study the effect of considering the spin–orbit coupling and Coulomb correlations in the Sm f shell on the magnetic properties, electronic structure and spin-density maps. The calculated magnetic moment and magnetocrystalline anisotropy are in good agreement with experimental values when the LDA + U + SO scheme is used. This confirms the adequacy of using this scheme in SmCo₅. The spin-density maps in the (0 0 1) plane show that the effect of the spin–orbit coupling on the spin-density structure of Sm atoms is stronger than that of Coulomb correlation. The reverse however, is true for Co atoms. We also study the influence of the magnetization direction on the energy bands through comparing the features of band structure when magnetization direction is along or perpendicular to the c-axis.     

Vortex Self-Organization in the Presence of Magnetic Pinning Arrays

Lateral nanostructuring is an efficient tool to control vortex confinement in superconductors. This will be illustrated by studying pinning phenomena in type-II superconducting Pb films with a lattice of submicron magnetic dots. We consider rectangular Co dots with in-plane magnetization and circular Co/Pt dots with out-of-plane magnetization. The domain structure of the Co dots can be changed from multi- to single-domain, resulting in an enhancement of their stray field. After covering this Co dot array with a Pb film, we demonstrate the influence of the local magnetic stray field of the dots on their flux pinning efficiency. The Co/Pt dots have a single-domain structure with their magnetic moment out of plane. Depending on the magnetic history, the magnetic moment of all dots can be aligned in positive or negative direction, or a random distribution of positive and negative magnetic moments of the dots can be achieved. For a Pb film covering this Co/Pt dot array, we observe an asymmetric magnetization loop due to the magnetic interactions between the vortices and the magnetic dots.     

Analysis of the Anisotropy Field and the Saturation Magnetization for Ultrathin Ferromagnetic Films

We study the magnetic in-plane anisotropic fields for a two-dimensional film by including magnetic field in the basal plane for an easy axis film. We present the balance between the applied field and in-plane anisotropic field at equilibrium. We have also investigated the approach to saturation of magnetization and numerically solving the nonlinear equation for equilibrium, and results are discussed in connection with experimental data reported for Co films.     

Crystallographic and magnetic investigation on W-type-hexaferrite single crystals in the solid solution series SrZn2-xCoxFe16O27

The saturation magnetization and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy were measured on single crystals in the solid solution series SrZn2-xCoxFe16O27(SrZn2-xCox-W) at 298 K and 6 K. Lattice constants and Curie-temperatures are also given as a function of the composition. The magnetocrystalline anisotropy changes from uniaxial to planar dependent on temperature and cobalt substitution atx approx 0.5for 6 K andx approx 0.85for 298 K. The six-fold anisotropy in the basal plane of the planar W-hexaferrites increases strongly with increasing cobalt content. Crystals with a low Co substitution (x = 0.33 and 0.67) have an anomalous discontinuity in their hard direction magnetization curves; indicating a first-order magnetization process.     

Magnetization behaviour in ultrathin Co/Cu/Ni/Cu(001) trilayers

The magnetization of ultrathin multilayer systems depends in a very sensitive way on their composition. We consider the temperature dependence of magnetization and its orientation in three types of trilayers: 2ML Co/2ML Cu/4ML Ni/Cu(001), 1ML Co/2ML Cu/4ML Ni/Cu(001) and 1ML Co/2ML Cu/3ML Ni/Cu(001). The composition of each system leads to different interdependence of ordering temperatures characterizing the ferromagnetic films. It is shown that in all cases the sublayer magnetizations change gradually their directions as a function of temperature. The use of Néel sublattices concept in Valenta approach allows us to present all dependences in a layer resolved mode which leads to the conclusion that the spin reorientation process runs through non collinear magnetic superstructures.     

Finite element micromagnetism simulations on the magnetization reversal behaviors of cobalt nanotubes

In this paper, we have used the finite element micromagnetism theory to simulate the magnetization (M) reversal behaviors of cobalt nanotubes with different lengths (L = 400, 600, 800 and 1000 nm). The inner radius and outer radius of nanotubes are 50 nm and 100 nm respectively. The simulation results show that all the nanotubes exhibit significantly anisotropic behaviors: the easy magnetization axis is along the longitudinal direction. The coercivity values are found dependent on the dimensions of Co nanotubes. For the nanotube with a length of 400 nm, M reversal processes along the Z axis starts from the inner wall and propagates from the inside toward the outside. However, for other nanotubes, M reversal processes start from both ends of nanotubes. When the magnetic field (H) is applied along the hard axis, magnetic moments gradually change their directions into the opposite directions. The variations of the total Gibbs free energy have been calculated to support the observed differences in reversal processes.     

Synthesis of high magnetic moment CoFe nanoparticles via interfacial diffusion in core/shell structured Co/Fe nanoparticles

We report the synthesis of high magnetic moment CoFe nanoparticles via the diffusion of Co and Fe in core/shell structured Co/Fe nanoparticles. In an organic solution, Co nanoparticles were coated with a layer of Fe to form a Co/Fe core/shell structure. Further raising the solution temperature led to inter-diffusion of Co and Fe and formation of CoFe alloy nanoparticles. These nanoparticles have high saturation magnetization of up to 192 emu/g CoFe and can be further stabilized by thermal annealing at 600 °C. Electronic Supplementary Material  Supplementary material is available for this article at and is accessible for authorized users. These two authors made an equal contribution to the work.     

掺杂Mg对纳米CoFe2O4/SiO2复合薄膜结构和磁性的影响

采用溶胶-凝胶旋涂法制备了纳米Co_1-xMg _xFe₂O₄/SiO₂(x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) 复合薄膜。利用XRD、SEM、原子力显微镜、振动样品磁强计对薄膜的结构、形貌和磁性进行了分析, 研究了Mg²⁺含量对样品结构和磁性的影响。结果表明, 样品中Co_1-xMg _xFe₂O₄具有尖晶石结构, 晶粒尺寸在38~46 nm之间。随着Mg²⁺含量的增加, Co_1-xMg _xFe₂O₄的晶格常数减小, 样品的饱和磁化强度减小, 矫顽力先增大后减小。样品Co_0.4Mg_0.6Fe₂O₄/SiO₂垂直和平行膜面的矫顽力分别为350.7 kA·m^-1和279.4 kA·m^-1, 剩磁比分别为67.2%和53.9%, Co_1-xMg _xFe₂O₄/SiO₂复合薄膜具有较明显的垂直磁各向异性。     

Transition of the magnetotransport in a Co-TbN system

Unexpected magnetism is investigated by measurements of the magnetic and magneto-transport properties in the two phase-separated thin films of nano-sized TbN clusters embedded in Co matrices. The spin-dependent transport depends strongly on the volume fraction of magnetic TbN clusters, especially on the continuity of the magnetic phase. With decreasing the TbN volume fraction, the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) is reduced and the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) is enhanced. Unlike the GMR observed in Co68(TbN)32, the AMR is found in Co72(TbN)28. The room-temperature magnetization exhibits a typical ferromagnetic signal mainly due to the Co matrix, while the low-temperature magnetization shows an additional linear magnetic component. This is attributed to the magnetic moment of TbN at temperatures below the ferromagnetic transition temperature T(C) = 44 K, and the magnetic moments of TbN are coupled with those of Co. The topological and magnetic images support the magnetic exchange at the boundary between the TbN clusters and the Co matrix.     

Synthesis and characterization of cobalt–nickel alloy nanowires

We report on the synthesis and magnetic characterization of ordered arrays of cobalt–nickel alloy nanowires. These alloy nanowires were electrodeposited into the pores of anodic alumina templates. The physical properties of the samples were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. We found that for the alloy nanowires the field at which the magnetization saturates increases with increasing Co fraction and the saturation field in the normal direction is smaller than the parallel direction, indicating easy magnetization direction normal to wire axis. Nanowires with different compositional ratio of cobalt and nickel showed a nonlinear dependence of coercivity as a function of cobalt concentration. These findings will help tailor magnetic nanoalloys with controlled properties for various applications, such as high density magnetic storage or nanoelectrode arrays.     

Imaging the domain pattern of the canted magnetization state in Co/Pt multilayer films

The exact magnetization pattern of magnetic films close to a spin-reorientation transition is difficult to analyze due to the intrinsically three-dimensional (3d) variation of the orientation of the local magnetization. We present a technique how this can be performed, based on the analysis of high quality 2d polarization maps from a single scanning electron microscope with polarization analysis (SEMPA) measurement with tilted sample. The key tool is the statistical distribution of all occurring polarization doublets, visualized in a 2d histogram plot. From the shape of the distribution the type of transition—canted-phase, or coexisting phases—can be inferred. For the canted-phase state, the canting angle can be accurately determined from geometrical considerations. With help of the histogram the image data can be analyzed and the three components of the magnetization can be calculated for most points of the image. For a Co/Pt multilayer film we found a cone state. The magnetization forms a complex pattern consisting of out-of-plane domains while the in-plane magnetization shows a maze pattern.     

Magnetic studies of spin wave excitations in Co/Pt multilayers

The magnetization of Co(t_Co)/Pt(t_Pt) (4 t_Co10 , 7 t_Pt20 ) multilayers has been measured as a function of temperature. For Co/Pt multilayers with fixed cobalt layer thickness of 4 , the magnetization decreases faster with temperature as the platinum layers are made thicker. A simple theoretical model based on an anisotropic ferromagnetic system has been used to explain the temperature dependence of the magnetization and the approximate values for the in-plane exchange interaction J₀ and the interlayer coupling strength J₁ for various Co/Pt multilayers have been obtained.     

Deterministic Magnetization Switching Using Lateral Spin–Orbit Torque

Current-induced magnetization switching by spin–orbit torque (SOT) holds considerable promise for next generation ultralow-power memory and logic applications. In most cases, generation of spin–orbit torques has relied on an external injection of out-of-plane spin currents into the magnetic layer, while an external magnetic field along the electric current direction is generally required for realizing deterministic switching by SOT. Here, deterministic current-induced SOT full magnetization switching by lateral spin–orbit torque in zero external magnetic field is reported. The Pt/Co/Pt magnetic structure is locally annealed by a laser track along the in-plane current direction, resulting in a lateral Pt gradient within the ferromagnetic layer, as confirmed by microstructure and chemical composition analysis. In zero magnetic field, the direction of the deterministic current-induced magnetization switching depends on the location of the laser track, but shows no dependence on the net polarization of external out-of-plane spin currents. From the behavior under external magnetic fields, two independent mechanisms giving rise to SOT are identified, i.e., the lateral Pt–Co asymmetry as well as out-of-plane injected spin currents, where the polarization and the magnitude of the SOT in the former case depends on the relative location and the laser power of the annealing track.     

Effect of Variable Biquadratic Exchange Coupling on the Magnetic Hysteresis of Uniaxial Antiferromagnetic Co/Ru/Co Films

We investigated biquadratic exchange coupling strength in sputtered uniaxial antiferromagnetic Co/Ru/Co trilayers, which can be tuned by applying a magnetic field perpendicular to the sample surface during deposition. The perpendicular field induces a columnar grain structure that results in a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy for single Co layers. The perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is detected by combined magnetization and Brillouin light scattering measurements. In trilayers, increasing the perpendicular field during deposition results in a monotonic increase of the biquadratic exchange coupling strength, so these samples provide an experimental realization of the effect of variable biquadratic coupling strength on magnetic hysteresis behavior. The hard-axis remanence is a direct measure of biquadratic exchange coupling strength, which we demonstrated both by experiment and by a Stoner-Wohlfarth model that includes the relevant magnetic parameters.     

钴、镍纳米线及其异质结的制备与磁性研究

采用脉冲电沉积技术在氧化铝模板中制备了单晶钴、镍纳米线阵列和镍/钴纳米线异质结阵列.分别用场发射扫描电镜、透射电镜、X射线衍射仪、物理性能测试系统对纳米线阵列的微观形貌、结构和性能进行了表征与研究.结果表明,所制备的磁性纳米线有很大的长径比,易磁化方向均为纳米线长轴方向.纳米线异质结阵列在易磁化方向具有较大的矫顽力和矩形比,可用作高密度垂直磁记录材料.     

Perpendicular exchange bias in IrMn/Pt/[Co/Pt]3 multilayers with cone magnetization

The perpendicular exchange bias and magnetic anisotropy were investigated in IrMn/Pt/[Co/Pt]₃ multilayers through the analysis of in-plane and out-of-plane magnetization hysteresis loops. A phenomenological model was used to simulate the in-plane curves and the effective perpendicular anisotropies were obtained employing the area method. The canted state anisotropy was introduced by taking into account the first and second uniaxial anisotropy terms of the ferromagnet with the corresponding uniaxial anisotropy direction allowed to make a nonzero angle with the film's normal. This angle, obtained from the fittings, was of approximately 15° for IrMn/[Co/Pt]₃ film and decreases with the introduction of Pt in the IrMn/Pt/ [Co/Pt]₃ system, indicating that the Pt interlayer leads to a predominant perpendicular anisotropy. A maximum of the out-of-plane anisotropy was found between 0.5 and 0.6 nm of Pt, whereas a maximum of the perpendicular exchange bias was found at 0.3 nm. These results are very similar to those obtained for IrMn/Cu/[Co/Pt]₃ system; however, the decrease of the exchange bias with the spacer thickness is more abrupt and the enhacement of the perpendicular anisotropy is higher for the case of Cu spacer as compared with that of Pt spacer. The existence of a maximum in the perpendicular exchange bias as a function of the Pt layer thickness was attributed to the predominance of the enhancement of exchange bias due to more perpendicular Co moment orientation over the exponential decrease of the ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic exchange coupling and, consequently, of the exchange-bias field.     

Saturation magnetostriction in Co–Ag films

Magnetostriction can be described as the fractional change in length of a sample depending on the state of magnetization and describes the contribution to the magnetic anisotropy energy resulting from the interaction between film strain and magnetization direction. In this paper, both longitudinal (λ_) and transverse (λ_⊥) saturation magnetostrictions of a Co–Ag granular system, prepared by molecular beam epitaxy, are studied as a function of Co concentration and temperature.     

静电纺丝法制备的Co0.6Ni0.3Cu0.1Fe2O4和Co0.6Ni0.3Zn0.1Fe2O4纳米纤维的结构及磁性能

采用静电纺丝技术制备出表面光滑、直径均匀的Co_(0.6)Ni_(0.3)Cu_(0.1)Fe_2O_4/PVP和Co_(0.6)Ni_(0.3)Zn_(0.1)Fe_2O_4/PVP纳米纤维前驱丝,经500~900℃煅烧后得到Co_(0.6)Ni_(0.3)Cu_(0.1)Fe_2O_4和Co_(0.6)Ni_(0.3)Zn_(0.1)Fe_2O_4纳米纤维。用TG-DSC、XRD、SEM及VSM现代测试分析手段对Co_(0.6)Ni_(0.3)Cu_(0.1)Fe_2O_4和Co_(0.6)Ni_(0.3)Zn_(0.1)Fe_2O_4纳米纤维的结构、形貌及磁学性能进行测试表征。结果表明:在空气气氛中经500~900℃煅烧后可得到纯尖晶石相、结晶度良好的纳米纤维或短纤维;当温度为700℃时,Co_(0.6)Ni_(0.3)Cu_(0.1)Fe_2O_4和Co_(0.6)Ni_(0.3)Zn_(0.1)Fe_2O_4纳米纤维的形貌细长而光滑且直径相对均匀,大约为80nm;此时Co_(0.6)Ni_(0.3)Cu_(0.1)Fe_2O_4纳米纤维则保有较高的剩磁比(M_r/M_s)及矫顽力,分别为0.56和1 088.87Oe。在500℃、600℃、700℃、800℃、900℃煅烧后,Co_(0.6)Ni_(0.3)Zn_(0.1)Fe_2O_4纳米纤维的饱和磁化强度分别比Co_(0.6)Ni_(0.3)Cu_(0.1)Fe_2O_4纳米纤维增大了14.5%、7%、16%、10.7%、8%,而矫顽力则分别降低了38%、51%、50%、46%、46.7%。两种纳米纤维的饱和磁化强度及矫顽力存在差异,为CoNi铁氧体在电磁方面的应用提供了很好的参考。     

Magnetoresistance of oblique angle deposited multilayered Co/Cu nanocolumns measured by a scanning tunnelling microscope

In this work we present the first magnetoresistance measurements on multilayered vertical Co(～6?nm)/Cu(～6?nm) and slanted Co(x?nm)/Cu(x?nm) (with x≈6, 11, and 16?nm) nanocolumns grown by oblique angle vapour deposition. The measurements are performed at room temperature on the as-deposited nanocolumn samples using a scanning tunnelling microscope to establish electronic contact with a small number of nanocolumns while an electromagnet generates a time varying (0.1?Hz) magnetic field in the plane of the substrate. The samples show a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) response ranging from 0.2 to 2%, with the higher GMR values observed for the thinner layers. For the slanted nanocolumns, we observed anisotropy in the GMR with respect to the relative orientation (parallel or perpendicular) between the incident vapour flux and the magnetic field applied in the substrate plane. We explain the anisotropy by noting that the column axis is the magnetic easy axis, so the magnetization reversal occurs more easily when the magnetic field is applied along the incident flux direction (i.e., nearly along the column axis) than when the field is applied perpendicular to the incident flux direction.     

Study of magnetization reversal by minor loops in IrMn/CoFe exchange-biased bilayers

We report a detailed investigation of the magnetization reversal by minor loops in Co75Fe25 (t) single layer and Ir22Mn78(10 nm)/CoFe(t) exchange-biased bilayers with different CoFe thicknesses. With increasing CoFe layer thickness in IrMn/CoFe bilayers, the magnetization reversal process shows a transition from the coherent rotation to the domain-wall motion, which is attributed to the competition among the antiferromagnetic domain wall energy, ferromagnetic domain wall energy, and the interface coupling between antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic layers.