Direct observation of magnetic phase coexistence and magnetization reversal in a Gd$_{0.67}$Ca$_{0.33}$MnO$_{3}$ thin film

TL;DR

This study uses magnetic force microscopy to directly observe magnetic phase coexistence and magnetization reversal in a GdCaMnO3 thin film, revealing phase separation and sublattice magnetization dynamics.

Contribution

It provides the first direct visualization of magnetic phase coexistence and reversal mechanisms in GdCaMnO3 thin films.

Findings

Detection of magnetic islands within a non-magnetic matrix.

Visualization of temperature-dependent magnetization reversal.

Identification of sublattice magnetization balance changes.

Abstract

We have investigated the ferrimagnetic domain structure in a Gd$_{0.67}$Ca$_{0.33}$MnO$_{3}$ thin film using magnetic force microscopy. We observe clear signs of phase separation, with magnetic islands embedded in a non-magnetic matrix. We also directly visualize the reversal of magnetization of ferrimagnetic domains as a function of temperature and attribute it to a change in the balance of magnetization of anti-aligned Mn and Gd sublattices.