Journal Article

FZJ-2015-00330

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Interlayer exchange coupling between FeCo and Co ultrathin films through Rh(001) spacers

Blizak, S. ; Bihlmayer, G. (Corresponding Author)FZJ* ; Blügel, S.FZJ* ; Abaidia, S. E. H.

2015
APS College Park, Md.

This record in other databases:  

Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/8259  doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.91.014408

Abstract: Using spin density functional theory (SDFT) calculations, we have studied the magnetic states, including collinear and noncollinear magnetic interlayer coupling, of Fe1−xCox ultrathin films sandwiching Rh(001) layers. We found very large values for the interlayer exchange coupling (IEC) in Co/Rhn/Co or (FeCo)m/Rhn/Co structures as compared to, e.g., Ag or Au spacer layers. The IEC oscillates with the Rh spacer thickness showing a transition between strong antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic coupling between five- and seven-layer thickness of the Rh film. Moreover, depending on the thickness of the FeCo film, a reorientation transition between in-plane and out-of-plane easy axis was found when spin-orbit coupling is considered in the calculations. This result suggests that, for specific arrangements such as (FeCo)2/Rh5/Co structures, a competition between IEC and magnetic anisotropy of coupled films may result in noncollinear ordering. This possibility was studied with constrained, noncollinear SDFT calculations and the results were mapped onto a classical spin model to explore the richness of spin structures that can arise in these multilayer systems.

---

Contributing Institute(s):

1. Quanten-Theorie der Materialien (IAS-1)
2. Quanten-Theorie der Materialien (PGI-1)
3. JARA-FIT (JARA-FIT)

Research Program(s):

1. 142 - Controlling Spin-Based Phenomena (POF3-142) (POF3-142)

Appears in the scientific report 2015

---

Database coverage:
; ; ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

---