Justin Olamit

Asymmetric Reversal in Inhomogeneous Magnetic Heterostructures

Asymmetric magnetization reversal is an unusual phenomenon in antiferromagnet/ferromagnet (AF/FM) exchange biased bilayers. We investigated this phenomenon in a simple model system experimentally and by simulation assuming inhomogeneously distributed interfacial AF moments. The results suggest that the observed asymmetry originates from the intrinsic broken symmetry of the system, which results in local incomplete domain walls parallel to the interface in reversal to negative saturation of the FM. The magneto-optical Kerr effect unambiguously confirms such an asymmetric reversal and a depth-dependent FM domain wall in accord with the magnetometry and simulations.

Controllable Positive Exchange Bias via Redox-Driven Oxygen Migration

Ionic transport in metal/oxide heterostructures offers a highly effective means to tailor material properties via modification of the interfacial characteristics. However, direct observation of ionic motion under buried interfaces and demonstration of its correlation with physical properties has been challenging. Using the strong oxygen affinity of gadolinium, we design a model system of GdxFe1−x/NiCoO bilayer films, where the oxygen migration is observed and manifested in a controlled positive exchange bias over a relatively small cooling field range. The exchange bias characteristics are shown to be the result of an interfacial layer of elemental nickel and cobalt, a few nanometres in thickness, whose moments are larger than expected from uncompensated NiCoO moments. This interface layer is attributed to a redox-driven oxygen migration from NiCoO to the gadolinium, during growth or soon after. These results demonstrate an effective path to tailoring the interfacial characteristics and interlayer exchange coupling in metal/oxide heterostructures.

Magnetization depth dependence in exchange biased thin films

The depth dependence of the magnetization has been studied in antiferromagnet/ferromagnet (AF/FM) exchange coupled systems. Results from vector magnetometry and magneto-optical Kerr effect probing both the AF/FM and FM/air interfaces demonstrate the existence of a magnetization depth profile in FeF2∕FM (FM=Fe, Ni, and Py) bilayers, contrary to the assumptions of most exchange bias models. The appearance of asymmetrical hysteresis loops below the AF Neel temperature (TN) is explained by the creation of spring-like walls parallel to the AF/FM interface and the existence of incomplete domain walls. Changes in the reversal mechanism above TN have also been discussed.

Rotational hysteresis of the exchange anisotropy direction in Co/FeMn thin films

The effects of rotating an applied field on the exchange anisotropy in Co∕FeMn thin films have been investigated. When the applied field is initially along the cooling field direction, the longitudinal hysteresis loop has a maximum coercivity and the transverse hysteresis loop is flat, indicating that the exchange field is along the cooling field direction. When the applied field angle is rotated away and then restored to the original field cooling direction, the exchange anisotropy direction has changed. The rotation of the exchange field direction trails the applied field and is hysteretic. The rotational hysteresis of the exchange field direction is due to the weak anisotropy in thin FeMn layers and decreases with increasing FeMn thickness.

Loop bifurcation and magnetization rotation in exchange-biased Ni/FeF2

Exchange-biased Ni/FeF2 films have been investigated using vector coil vibrating-sample magnetometry as a function of the cooling field strength HFC. In films with epitaxial FeF2, a loop bifurcation develops with increasing HFC as it divides into two sub-loops shifted oppositely from zero field by the same amount. The positively biased sub-loop grows in size with HFC until only a single positively shifted loop is found. Throughout this process, the negative and positive subloop shifts maintain the same discrete value. This is in sharp contrast to films with twinned FeF2 where the exchange field gradually changes with increasing HFC. The transverse magnetization shows clear correlations with the longitudinal subloops. Interestingly, over 85% of the Ni reverses its magnetization by rotation, either in one step or through two successive rotations. These results are due to the single-crystal nature of the antiferromagnetic FeF2, which breaks down into two opposite regions of large domains.

Irreversibility of magnetization rotation in exchange biased Fe/epitaxial-FeF2 thin films

Magnetization reversal via rotation is typical in ferromagnet/antiferromagnet exchange biased systems. The reversibility of the rotation is a manifestation of the microscopic reversal process. The authors have investigated the magnetization reversal in Fe/epitaxial-FeF2 thin films using vector magnetometry and first-order reversal curves. The reversal is predominantly by rotation as the applied field makes an angle with the antiferromagnet spin axis, mostly irreversible at small angles and reversible at larger angles. A modified Stoner-Wohlfarth model reproduces the overall trend of the irreversibility evolution. The remaining discrepancies between the modeled and measured irreversibilities may be attributed to local incomplete domain walls.

Fe-Core/Au-Shell Nanoparticles: Growth Mechanisms, Oxidation and Aging Effects

We report the chemical synthesis of Fe-core/Au-shell nanoparticles (Fe/Au) by a reverse micelle method, and the investigation of their growth mechanisms and oxidation-resistant characteristics. The core-shell structure and the presence of the Fe and Au phases have been confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma techniques. Additionally, atomic-resolution Z-contrast imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy in a scanning transmission electron microscope have been used to study details of the growth processes. The Au-shells grow by nucleating on the Fe-core surfaces before coalescing. First-order reversal curves, along with the major hysteresis loops of the Fe/Au nanoparticles have been measured as a function of time in order to investigate the evolution of their magnetic properties. The magnetic moments of such nanoparticles, in the loose powder form, decrease over time due to oxidation. The less than ideal oxidation-resistance of the Au shell may have been caused by the rough Au surfaces. In a small fraction of the particles, off-centered Fe cores have been observed, which are more susceptible to oxidation. However, in the pressed pellet form, electrical transport measurements show that the particles are fairly stable, as the resistance and magnetoresistance of the pellet do not change appreciably over time. Our results demonstrate the complexity involved in the synthesis and properties of these heterostructured nanoparticles.