Enhanced perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in Fe/Mn bilayers by incorporating ultrathin ferromagnetic underlayer through magnetic proximity effect
Journal
Applied Physics Letters
Journal Volume
103
Journal Issue
4
Date Issued
2013
Author(s)
Abstract
The perpendicular magnetic anisotropy(PMA) was shown to be established in ferromagnetic (FM)/fcc-Mn bilayers through the FM-antiferromagnetic (AFM) exchange coupling. We demonstrate here that such PMA can be further enhanced by incorporating an ultrathin Fe film as an underlayer. In a series of Fe/Mn bilayers, hysteresis loop measurement shows that the thickness of top Fe layer with PMA can be extended to a thicker range while an ultrathin Fe underlayer is inserted. Such enhancement of PMA is attributed to an increase of AFM ordering on the Mn film originated from the magnetic proximity effect with the Fe underlayer.
Type
journal article