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Title: Superferromagnetic domain state of a discontinuous metal insulator multilayer

Journal Article · · Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
; ;  [1]; ; ; ;  [2]; ;  [3]
  1. Angewandte Physik, Universitaet Duisburg-Essen, D-47048 Duisburg (Germany)
  2. Institut fuer Festkoerperforschung, Forschungszentrum Juelich, D-52425 Juelich (Germany)
  3. INESC, Rua Alves Redol 9-1, 1000 Lisbon (Portugal)

Polarized neutron reflectivity (PNR) and magnetometry studies have been performed on the granular multilayer [Co{sub 80}Fe{sub 20}(1.3 nm)/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}(3 nm)]{sub 10}. Due to strong interparticle interactions, a collective superferromagnetic state is encountered. Cole-Cole plots drawn from the complex ac susceptibility are measured as functions of frequency, temperature, and field amplitudes that hint at the relaxation, creep, sliding, and switching regimes of pinned domain walls that are in close agreement with results obtained from simulations. Very slow switching with exponential relaxation under near-coercive fields is confirmed by PNR measurements. The complete absence of spin-flip scattering confirms that the magnetization reversal is achieved merely by domain nucleation and growth.

OSTI ID:
20719129
Journal Information:
Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, Vol. 72, Issue 2; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.72.024419; (c) 2005 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1098-0121
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English