Spin flop transition in a finite antiferromagnetic superlattice: evolution of the magnetic structure.
An antiferromagnetic (AF) superlattice of Fe/Cr(211) is used as a model system to study magnetic transitions in a finite-size geometry. With polarization neutron reflectometry the magnetic structure at the surface spin-flop transition and its evolution with field is determined. A domain wall created near the surface penetrates the superlattice with increasing field, splitting it into two antiphase, AF domains. After reaching the center the spin-flopped phase spreads throughout the superlattice. The experimental results are in substantial agreement with theoretical and numerical predictions.
te Velthuis
S G E
SG
Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, Illinois 60439, USA.
Jiang
J S
JS
Bader
S D
SD
Felcher
G P
GP