Spin configurations in Gd/Fe epitaxial bilayers

Abstract

Epitaxial bilayers of Gd/Fe have been realised by depositing 60 Å Gd (0 0 0 1) on 120 Å Fe (1 1 0) and sandwiching them between a buffer layer of W (1 1 0) and capping layer of Y (0 0 0 1). The growth process was studied in-situ by RHEED and Auger analysis. The spin configuration of the samples was studied by magnetometry and polarised-neutron reflectivity with spin analysis. The Gd moment is found to be enhanced with respect to the bulk. In an applied field of 300 Oe, the Fe moments lie almost parallel to the field; the Gd moments are antiparallel at the interface and then they twist into a fanned state through the Gd thickness.