Magnetostatics of Room Temperature Compensated Co/Gd/Co/Gd-based Synthetic Ferrimagnets

TL;DR

This study investigates the magnetization compensation and magnetic anisotropy in Co/Gd/Co/Gd synthetic ferrimagnets, combining experimental data with a new model to understand interface effects and magnetic behavior for spintronic applications.

Contribution

It introduces a partial intermixing model at Co/Gd interfaces that explains experimental results and advances understanding of magnetic properties in synthetic ferrimagnets.

Findings

Model explains magnetization decay in Gd due to Co proximity effects

Capping layer influences Gd magnetization

Conditions for magnetic compensation identified

Abstract

Flexibility for interface engineering, and access to all-optical switching of the magnetization, make synthetic ferrimagnets an interesting candidate for advanced opto-spintronic devices. Moreover, due to their layered structure and disordered interfaces they also bear promise for the emerging field of graded magnetic materials. The fastest and most efficient spin-orbit torque driven manipulation of the magnetic order in this material system generally takes place at compensation. Here, we present a systematic experimental and modeling study of the conditions for magnetization compensation and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in the synthetic ferrimagnetic Co/Gd/Co/Gd system. A model based on partial intermixing at the Co/Gd interfaces of this system has been developed which explains the experiments well, and provides a new tool to understand its magnetic characteristics. More specifically, this work provides new insight in the decay of the Co proximity-induced magnetization in the Gd, and the role the capping layer plays in the Gd magnetization.