Realizing a High Magnetic Moment in Gd/Cr/FeCo: The Role of the Rare Earth

TL;DR

This study investigates Gd/Cr/FeCo multilayers to enhance magnetic saturation, revealing that Gd's crystalline phase influences magnetic moment and suggesting lattice matching as a growth strategy.

Contribution

It introduces Gd/Cr/FeCo multilayers and analyzes how Gd's phase affects magnetic properties, proposing lattice matching to improve magnetic saturation.

Findings

Magnetic moment varies with Cr thickness.

Gd forms an fcc phase reducing magnetic moment.

Lattice matching could promote hcp Gd growth.

Abstract

The search for materials or systems exhibiting a high magnetic saturation has been of longstanding importance. It has been suggested that increased saturation could be achieved by coupling a transition metal via a spacer to a rare earth. We report Gd/Cr/Fe70Co30 multilayer stacks and find reduced yet modulating magnetic moment as a function of Cr thickness. Through a micro structural analysis the lowered moment is indicated by the nucleation of the ultrathin Gd films into an fcc phase. We discuss the possible solution in terms of quasi-perfect lattice match seed material to promote growth of hcp Gd.