Interactions in Nanoscale Arrays of Soft Magnetic Bi-Layers
Magnetic bi-layers are becoming increasingly popular as a medium for perpendicular patterned media. In order to understand the net interactions between the layers and between adjacent magnetic elements in an array, we use a coupled Preisach model to model the hysteresis loops we measured for a sample consisting two magnetically soft layers of FeCoTaZr, separated by an 0.8-nm Ru spacer layer. The model reproduces the major hysteresis loop to decent agreement. The model was then decoupled to reveal the reversal behavior of the individual layers. This paper demonstrates that coupled Preisach modeling of the hysteresis loop is an effective tool to analyze such interacting material systems.
Enhanced asymmetric magnetization reversal in nanoscale Co/CoO arrays: competition between exchange bias and magnetostatic coupling.
Magnetization reversal was studied in square arrays of square Co/CoO dots with lateral size varying between 200 and 900 nm. While reference nonpatterned Co/CoO films show the typical shift and increased width of the hysteresis loop due to exchange bias, the patterned samples reveal a pronounced size dependence. In particular, an anomaly appears in the upper branch of the magnetization cycle and becomes stronger as the dot size decreases. This anomaly, which is absent at room temperature in the patterned samples, can be understood in terms of a competition between magnetostatic interdot interaction and exchange anisotropy during the magnetic switching process.
SR topography of plastically deformed Fe-Si bicrystals - observation in situ and post mortem
SR reflection topography was applied to study the interaction of slip dislocations with the grain boundaries in Fe-4at%Si bicrystals deformed by compression. Three experimental settings with either a white or monochromatic beam were used and the corresponding orientation contrast analysed. Dislocation transmission through the grain boundary was observed in bicrystals with favourable geometry of the slip systems.