Polarized neutron study of Gd1-xCox/Co multilayers

• Published in: Physica. B, Condensed matter Vol. 345; no. 1-4; pp. 181 - 184
• Main Authors: GONZALEZ, J. A, COLINO, J, ANDRES, J. P, LOPEZ DE LA TORRE, M. A, RIVEIRO, J. M
• Format: Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier 01.03.2004
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical interdiffusion; diffusion barriers; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Diffusion in solids; Diffusion; interface formation; Exact sciences and technology; Metals. Metallurgy; Physics; Solid surfaces and solid-solid interfaces; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Transport properties of condensed matter (nonelectronic); Interfacial layer; Polarized neutron; Ferrimagnetic multilayers; Gd/Co multilayers; Interdiffusion; Gadolinium; X-ray reflection; Experimental study; Neutron reflection; Cobalt; Ferrimagnetic materials; 61.10.Kw; Gadolinium alloys; Multilayers; Ferrimagnetism; X-ray reflectivity; Rare earth alloys; Magnetic structure; Microstructure; Cobalt alloys; 61.12.Ha Polarized neutron reflectivity; Transition element alloys
• ISSN: 0921-4526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physb.2003.11.049

In recent studies, the strong interdiffusion that dominates the growth of Gd/Co multilayers has been quantified and minimized by employing different Gd1-xCox alloys instead of pure Gd, while the ferrimagnetic structure, characteristic of this system, has been preserved. In order to enhance our understanding of the magnetic structure of these samples and their microstructure, we have employed polarized neutron reflectivity (PNR). In this communication, we complement previous analysis of X-ray reflectivity and PNR in Gd0.63Co0.37/Co samples with a comparative study that includes the Gd0.40Co0.60/Co multilayers. We will show that Gd0.40Co0.60/Co multilayers present sharp interfaces, while the Gd0.63Co0.37/Co system has an interfacial region of several angstroms with particular magnetic properties.