Controlling exchange coupling strength in NixCu100-x thin films

TL;DR

This study investigates how the thickness and composition of NixCu100-x ferromagnetic alloy layers influence their Curie temperature when in contact with vanadium, providing insights for controlling exchange coupling in superconductor/ferromagnet systems.

Contribution

It offers new understanding of the thickness and concentration dependence of Curie temperature in NixCu100-x layers in contact with vanadium, aiding the design of controlled exchange coupling.

Findings

Curie temperature depends on layer thickness near the interface

Proximity coupling affects magnetic properties

Data supports controlled exchange coupling in S/F heterostructures

Abstract

Thickness (dF) and concentration (x) dependence of the Curie temperature of NixCu100-x(dF) ferromagnetic alloy layers (x =0.55,0.65, dF =[3nm{\div}12nm]) being in contact with a vanadium layer was studied. The Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic layers depends on the thickness when it is comparable with the interface layer between the F and the vanadium layers, which is attributed to the proximity coupling of the interface region with the rest of the F layer. The present study provides valuable information for fabrication of samples with controlled exchange coupling strength for studies of superconductor/ferromagnet (S/F) proximity effects.