On the feasibility to study inverse proximity effect in a single S/F bilayer by Polarized Neutron Reflectometry

TL;DR

This study investigates the use of Polarized Neutron Reflectometry to detect the inverse proximity effect in a single superconductor/ferromagnet bilayer, demonstrating measurable magnetic changes at low temperatures.

Contribution

It demonstrates the feasibility of using PNR to observe the inverse proximity effect in a single S/F bilayer, providing experimental evidence of magnetic sub-layer formation.

Findings

Spin asymmetry shifts towards higher Q at lower temperature.

Magnetic sub-layer of 7 nm with 0.8 kG magnetization detected.

Feasibility of PNR for studying inverse proximity effect confirmed.

Abstract

Here we report on a feasibility study aiming to explore the potential of Polarized Neutron Reflectometry (PNR) for detecting the inverse proximity effect in a single superconducting/ferromagnetic bilayer. Experiments, conducted on the V(40nm)/Fe(1nm) S/F bilayer, have shown that experimental spin asymmetry measured at T = 0.5TC is shifted towards higher Q values compared to the curve measured at T = 1.5TC. Such a shift can be described by the appearance in superconducting vanadium of magnetic sub-layer with thickness of 7 nm and magnetization of +0.8 kG.