Size dependence in the magnetization reversal of Fe∕Gd multilayers on self-assembled arrays of nanospheres

The size dependent magnetization reversal of Fe∕Gd multilayers on self-assembled silica nanospheres has been studied by scanning transmission x-ray microscopy. Caps on 800nm spherules show S-shaped hysteresis loops while the caps on 330 and 160nm spherules exhibit rectangular loops. This drastic cha...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied physics letters 2007-10, Vol.91 (17)
Main Authors: Amaladass, E., Ludescher, B., Schütz, G., Tyliszczak, T., Eimüller, T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The size dependent magnetization reversal of Fe∕Gd multilayers on self-assembled silica nanospheres has been studied by scanning transmission x-ray microscopy. Caps on 800nm spherules show S-shaped hysteresis loops while the caps on 330 and 160nm spherules exhibit rectangular loops. This drastic change is attributed to a transition from a radial to a uniaxial magnetization distribution with decreasing diameter and results from the increasing exchange interaction between adjacent moments. Furthermore, element selective studies reveal a transition from an aligned to a twisted magnetic state with reducing size of the nanocaps.
ISSN:0003-6951
1077-3118
DOI:10.1063/1.2802075