Spin flop transition in a finite antiferromagnetic superlattice: evolution of the magnetic structure

An antiferromagnetic (AF) superlattice of Fe/Cr(211) is used as a model system to study magnetic transitions in a finite-size geometry. With polarization neutron reflectometry the magnetic structure at the surface spin-flop transition and its evolution with field is determined. A domain wall created...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review letters 2002-09, Vol.89 (12), p.127203-127203, Article 127203
Main Authors: te Velthuis, S G E, Jiang, J S, Bader, S D, Felcher, G P
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:An antiferromagnetic (AF) superlattice of Fe/Cr(211) is used as a model system to study magnetic transitions in a finite-size geometry. With polarization neutron reflectometry the magnetic structure at the surface spin-flop transition and its evolution with field is determined. A domain wall created near the surface penetrates the superlattice with increasing field, splitting it into two antiphase, AF domains. After reaching the center the spin-flopped phase spreads throughout the superlattice. The experimental results are in substantial agreement with theoretical and numerical predictions.
ISSN:0031-9007
1079-7114
DOI:10.1103/physrevlett.89.127203