Berlin 2008 – wissenschaftliches Programm

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MA: Fachverband Magnetismus

MA 21: Magnetic Thin Films II

MA 21.14: Vortrag

Mittwoch, 27. Februar 2008, 17:30–17:45, H 1012

Spin reorientation transistion and canted magnetization of Co/Pt multilayers — •Holger Stillrich and Hans Peter Oepen — Institut für Angewandte Physik, Universität Hamburg, Jungiusstr. 11, 20355 Hamburg, Germany

The spin reorientation transition of Co/Pt multilayers from perpendicular easy axis to easy plane is analyzed. The spin reorientation is driven by the thickness of either the cobalt or the platinum layer. The behavior of (Co/Pt)₈ multilayers and single cobalt layers on platinum will be discussed. The films are grown by magnetron sputter deposition and the magnetic properties are investigated via the magneto-optic Kerr effect.

The spin reorientation occurs via a state of canted magnetization. In the spin reorientation transition the polar Kerr hysteresis exhibits a shape which is associated with a domain decay [1]. The in-plane magnetization shows a partial switching of the magnetization which is explained by the switching between canted states with opposite in-plane magnetization components. The uniaxial anisotropy constants in first and second order approximation are examined in the whole thickness range of Co and Pt layers. In the thickness range of spin reorientation a negative first and positive second order uniaxial anisotropy constant K₁ and K₂ are found, indicating canting. We find a similar behavior for both (Co/Pt)₈ multilayers and single cobalt layers.

[1] W. B. Zeper et al, J. Appl. Phys. 65, 4971 (1989); J. E. Davies et al, Phys. Rev. B 70, 224434 (2004).