Phase transitions in ferro-antiferromagnetic bilayers with a stepped interface

TL;DR

This study uses Monte Carlo simulations to explore magnetic ordering in ferro-antiferromagnetic bilayers, revealing interface-dependent spin alignments and phase transitions at different temperatures.

Contribution

It provides new insights into how stepped interfaces influence spin alignment and phase transitions in F/AF bilayers.

Findings

AF order persists above Neel temperature with collinear alignment

Stepped interfaces induce a transition from collinear to perpendicular spin alignment

Different interface geometries affect the temperature-dependent magnetic ordering

Abstract

We have studied magnetic ordering in ferro/antiferromagnetic (F/AF) bilayers using Monte Carlo simulations of classical Heisenberg spins. For both flat and stepped interfaces we observed order in the AF above the Neel temperature, with the AF spins aligning collinearly with the F moments. In the case of the stepped interface there is a transition from collinear to perpendicular alignment of the F and AF spins at a lower temperature.