Magnetization reversal in Co/Cr multilayer films

Journal Article · Sat May 15 00:00:00 EDT 1993 · Journal of Applied Physics; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.352646· OSTI ID:6626294

Wang, D; Kirby, R D; Robertson, B W; Sellmyer, D J ^[1]

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1. Center for Materials Research and Analysis, and Departments of Physics and Mechanical Engineering, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588 (United States)

Magnetization reversal of Co/Cr multilayer films is studied by utilizing initial magnetization curves, minor loops, isothermal and dc demagnetization remanence curves, and temperature dependence of the loops. Electron microscope observations reveal that the films consist of columnar grains of size from 400 to 800 A. It is suggested that the magnetization reversal is dominated by rotation of single-domain grains. Numerical calculations are performed based on the Stoner--Wohlfarth coherent rotation model for noninteracting, single-domain particles of uniaxial anisotropy. The calculated results agree qualitatively with the experimental results. To investigate the quantitative differences, magnetic interactions among the grains are measured in terms of deviations from the linear Hankel plot predicted by Wohlfarth.

• DOE Contract Number: FG02-86ER45262
• OSTI ID: 6626294
• Journal Information: Journal of Applied Physics; (United States), Vol. 73:10; ISSN 0021-8979
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
CHROMIUM
MAGNETIZATION
COBALT
DOMAIN STRUCTURE
MICROSTRUCTURE
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
THIN FILMS
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
ELEMENTS
FILMS
METALS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
360104* - Metals & Alloys- Physical Properties