Magnetic Anisotropy Distribution Research Articles

Asymmetric magnetization switching and programmable complete Boolean logic enabled by long-range intralayer Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction

After decades of efforts, some fundamental physics for electrical switching of magnetization is still missing. Here, we report the discovery of the long-range intralayer Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) effect, which is the chiral coupling of orthogonal magnetic domains within the same magnetic layer via the mediation of an adjacent heavy metal layer. The effective magnetic field of the long-range intralayer DMI on the perpendicular magnetization is out-of-plane and varies with the interfacial DMI constant, the applied in-plane magnetic fields, and the magnetic anisotropy distribution. Striking consequences of the effect include asymmetric current/field switching of perpendicular magnetization, hysteresis loop shift of perpendicular magnetization in the absence of in-plane direct current, and sharp in-plane magnetic field switching of perpendicular magnetization. Utilizing the intralayer DMI, we demonstrate programable, complete Boolean logic operations within a single spin-orbit torque device. These results will stimulate investigation of the long-range intralayer DMI effect in a variety of spintronic devices.

Skyrmion size and density in lattices

The effect of changing magnetic parameters on the size and density of skyrmions in a hexagonal lattice is investigated using micromagnetic simulations. Achieving control of the skyrmion density, for instance, by applied voltages, is a route to magnetic neuromorphic computing devices. Here, we show how small changes in the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction lead to large changes in the skyrmion size and density, which occurs for parameters that do not support isolated skyrmions. The effect of a grain structure on the density of skyrmions is modeled through the introduction of a locally varying anisotropy. This shows that a higher density of skyrmions is favored for a wider distribution of magnetic anisotropy. The results provide a clear understanding of systems where the skyrmion density can be externally controlled and assist the design of functional skyrmion-based devices.

All-Electrical 9-Bit Skyrmion-Based Racetrack Memory Designed with Laser Irradiation.

Racetrack memories with magnetic skyrmions have recently been proposed as a promising storage technology. To be appealing, several challenges must still be faced for the deterministic generation of skyrmions, their high-fidelity transfer, and accurate reading. Here, we realize the first proof-of-concept of a 9-bit skyrmion racetrack memory with all-electrical controllable functionalities implemented in the same device. The key ingredient is the generation of a tailored nonuniform distribution of magnetic anisotropy via laser irradiation in order to (i) create a well-defined skyrmion nucleation center, (ii) define the memory cells hosting the information coded as the presence/absence of skyrmions, and (iii) improve the signal-to-noise ratio of anomalous Hall resistance measurements. This work introduces a strategy to unify previous findings and predictions for the development of a generation of racetrack memories with robust control of skyrmion nucleation and position, as well as effective skyrmion electrical detection.

Development of amorphous microwires with graded magnetic anisotropy

We observed that the annealing at variable temperature allows to develop amorphous magnetic microwires with graded magnetic anisotropy. In such microwires, annealed with a temperature gradient, gradual variation of the hysteresis loops along the microwire length is observed. The peculiarity of such microwires with graded magnetic anisotropy and rectangular hysteresis loops is that in such microwires the energy landscape and hence the domain wall features, such as the domain wall velocity can be effectively controlled. Obtained spatial distribution of magnetic anisotropy must be attributed to a gradual modification of the domain structure along the length of the microwires annealed in a temperature gradient.Accordingly, we propose a rather simple route involving -annealing in a temperature gradient to design graded magnetic anisotropy in magnetic microwires.

Coexistence of superparamagnetism and superspin glass in non-stoichiometric Zn0.5Ca0.5Fe2O4 nanoferrite

In this manuscript, we report the coexistence of superparamagnetic-super spin glass phase in aggregated non-stoichiometric Zn0.5Ca0.5Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles (ZCF NPs). A polycrystalline sample of ZCF NPs was synthesized by the self-ignition sol–gel route and characterized using a variety of techniques. Extensive temperature, field and wait-time dependent dc-magnetization & ac-susceptibility measurements were performed for elucidating the magnetism of ZCF NPs. M−H & Mössbauer data at 300 K and M−T curves in ZFC & FC protocols revealed that ZCF NPs exhibit dominant superparamagnetic (SPM) character at 300 K with Ms = 16 emu/g & TB ∼ 120 K. Magnetically disordered surface over a single domain core of ZCF NPs has been established by the shift in coercivity at 5 K in ZFC and FC protocols. ZFC magnetization for a single stop and wait protocol exhibited an ageing dip at the stop temperature (72 K) with waiting time. It is shown that the in-phase peak of ac-susceptibility vs. temperature curves shifts towards higher temperature with driving frequencies and obeys dynamic scaling & Vogel-Fulcher law. These findings affirmed presence of glassy states in ZCF NPs due to interacting magnetic nanoparticles. On cooling the random ensemble of ZCF NPs, interparticle dipolar interactions lead to genesis of glassy behaviour, which is identified as superspin glass (SSG). Observation of memory and rejuvenation in a quasi-equilibrium magnetic state due to the collective nature of low-temperature spin dynamics differ ZCF NPs from canonical spin-glass. Extensive magnetic studies on ZCF NPs revealed a crossover of SPM to SSG phase just below TB at 115 K due to the random distribution of magnetic momenta, anisotropy and interparticle interactions.

Thickness-dependence of magnetic damping related to two-magnon scattering in ultrathin Ni0.81Fe0.19 films

Magnetic damping is of critical importance for devices due to its influences on magnetization dynamics. When the ferromagnetic layer goes into the nanometer scale, the magnetic damping related to the two-magnon scattering (TMS) effect becomes the main damping in nonmagnetic/ferromagnetic films. Here, we experimentally demonstrated the thickness-dependence of TMS damping, one part dependent on ferromagnetic thickness (), another part independent, in both Cu/NiFe and Pt/NiFe films. The scale of TMS damping can be explained based on the ‘Arias–Mills’ mode, and its origin is the distribution of surface magnetic anisotropy due to interface defects. The rest of TMS damping is independent on is attributed to the more generic defects creating inhomogeneity, and its origin can be sorted into the ‘McMichael–Krivosik’ mechanism. The quantitative results reveal that the -dependent and -independent TMS damping are of equal importance in ultrathin NiFe films. Meanwhile, the approximately equal intrinsic damping was displayed for Cu/NiFe and Pt/NiFe thin films. Our results add a clearer understanding of TMS damping in ultrathin ferromagnetic films.

Vol4 num4-16 Magnetic properties and applications of glass-coated ferromagnetic microwires

The impact of post-processing on soft magnetic properties and the giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect of Fe- and Co-based glass-coated microwires is evaluated. A remarkable improvement of magnetic softness and GMI effect is observed in Fe-rich glass-coated microwires subjected to stress annealing. Frequency dependence of GMI ratio of stress-annealed Fe-rich microwires has been discussed considering frequency dependence of the skin penetration depth, δ, as well as magnetic anisotropy distribution within the metallic nucleus. Annealed and stress-annealed Co-rich microwires present rectangular hysteresis loop and single and fast domain wall propagation. However, Co-based stress-annealed microwires present high magnetoimpedance ratio. Observed stress-induced anisotropy and related changes of magnetic properties are discussed considering internal stresses relaxation and “back-stresses”.

3D printed composites with uniform distribution of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and magnetic shape anisotropy

A novel approach to fabricate magnetic elements made from nanocomposite materials by material extrusion is proposed. Flexibility in the shape and dimensions of this technology leads to the possibility to overcome the restrictions in the design and manufacturing of complex-shaped bulk magnets. The nanocomposites discussed here were fabricated by the addition of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles into a polymeric matrix: PEG-PVB and silicone gel. Composites with nanoparticles to polymer blend weight concentrations varying from 20% to 60% were prepared. The rheological behaviour of the suspensions was studied using rotational rheometry. The 3D prints were performed with and without an externally applied magnetic field. Microstructure, morphology and magnetic properties of the synthesised nanocomposites were confirmed by Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. The composites showed a uniform morphology with nanoparticles embedded homogeneously in the matrix. Magnetic response, namely remanence, saturation, coercive field and squareness, depend substantially on the type of polymeric matrix and nanoparticles concentration. Composites based on silicone have around 20–25% lower squareness ratio than the PEG-PVB-Fe3O4 ones. The elements printed from selected composites exhibit weak but well pronounced magnetic shape anisotropy – a feature characteristic for bulk magnets.

Evolution of the Magnetic and Structural Properties with the Chemical Composition in Oleate-Capped MnxCo1–xFe2O4 Nanoparticles

Understanding the complex link among composition, microstructure, and magnetic properties paves the way to the rational design of well-defined magnetic materials. In this context, the evolution of the magnetic and structural properties in a series of oleate-capped manganese-substituted cobalt ferrites (MnxCo1–xFe2O4) with variable Co/Mn molar ratios is deeply discussed. Single-phase ferrites with similar crystallite and particle sizes (about 10 nm), size dispersity (14%), and weight percentage of capping oleate molecules (17%) were obtained by an oleate-based solvothermal approach. The similarities among the samples permitted the interpretation of the results exclusively on the basis of the actual composition, beyond the other parameters. The temperature and magnetic field dependences of the magnetization were studied together with the interparticle interactions by DC magnetometry. Characteristic temperatures (Tmax, Tdiff, and Tb), coercivity, anisotropy field, and reduced remanence were found to be affected by the Co/Mn ratio, mainly due to the magnetic anisotropy, interparticle interactions, and particle volume distribution. In addition, the cobalt and manganese distributions were hypothesized on the basis of the chemical composition, the inversion degree obtained by 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, the anisotropy constant, and the saturation magnetization.

Manipulation of individual domain walls by axial rotation in transverse magnetic field

Ferromagnetic domain wall with transverse configuration is a source of local magnetic fields that strongly interacts with external fields. In this paper, we show that domain wall dynamics can be effectively tailored by the application of a transverse magnetic field of a certain direction. Depending on the direction of the transverse field, the domain wall velocity is either higher or lower. Our measurements carried out by the Sixtus-Tonks experiment show that a certain direction of the transverse magnetic field could completely block the domain wall propagation. The effect is explained by a distribution of transverse magnetic anisotropy induced into the cylindrical wire during its production.

Tailoring of Magnetic Softness and Magnetoimpedance of Co‐Rich Microwires by Stress Annealing

Herein, detailed studies on the influence of stress annealing on the magnetic softness and giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) ratio of Co69.2Fe3.6Ni1B12.5Si11Mo1.5C1.2 glass‐coated microwires are provided. As‐prepared microwire presents linear hysteresis loops, moderate GMI ratio with double‐peak magnetic field dependence and low coercivity (4 A m−1), typically observed for wires with transverse magnetic anisotropy. However, after conventional annealing magnetic hardening and transformation of linear hysteresis loop into rectangular with coercivity about 90 A m−1 is surprisingly observed. It is shown that stress annealing allows preventing magnetic hardening and remarkably improving GMI ratio. Properly stress‐annealed samples present better magnetic softness: almost unhysteretic loops with coercivity about 2 A m−1 and magnetic anisotropy field about 35 A m−1. Observed stress‐annealing‐induced anisotropy is affected by the tensile stresses, applied during annealing and by the annealing temperature. From the frequency dependence of the maximum GMI ratio, the optimum frequency ranges for as‐prepared and stress‐annealed samples are determined. The observed stress‐annealing‐induced magnetic anisotropy and associated changes in magnetic properties and GMI effect are discussed in terms of internal stresses relaxation and related modification of the magnetostriction coefficient, “back stresses,” structural anisotropy, redistribution of internal stresses, and change of spatial distribution of magnetic anisotropy.

Determination of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction using pattern recognition and machine learning

Machine learning is applied to a large number of modern devices that are essential in building an energy-efficient smart society. Audio and face recognition are among the most well-known technologies that make use of such artificial intelligence. In materials research, machine learning is adapted to predict materials with certain functionalities, an approach often referred to as materials informatics. Here, we show that machine learning can be used to extract material parameters from a single image obtained in experiments. The Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya (DM) interaction and the magnetic anisotropy distribution of thin-film heterostructures, parameters that are critical in developing next-generation storage class magnetic memory technologies, are estimated from a magnetic domain image. Micromagnetic simulation is used to generate thousands of random images for training and model validation. A convolutional neural network system is employed as the learning tool. The DM exchange constant of typical Co-based thin-film heterostructures is studied using the trained system: the estimated values are in good agreement with experiments. Moreover, we show that the system can independently determine the magnetic anisotropy distribution, demonstrating the potential of pattern recognition. This approach can considerably simplify experimental processes and broaden the scope of materials research.

Magnetic Microwires with Unique Combination of Magnetic Properties Suitable for Various Magnetic Sensor Applications.

There is a pressing demand to improve the performance of cost-effective soft magnetic materials for use in high performance sensors and devices. Giant Magneto-impedance effect (GMI), or fast single domain wall (DW) propagation can be observed in properly processed magnetic microwires. In this paper we have identified the routes to obtain microwires with unique combination of magnetic properties allowing observation of fast and single DW propagation and GMI effect in the same microwire. By modifying the annealing conditions, we have found the appropriate regimes allowing achievement of the highest GMI ratio and the fastest DW dynamics. The observed experimental results are discussed considering the radial distribution of magnetic anisotropy and the correlation of GMI effect, and DW dynamics with bulk and surface magnetization processes. Studies of both Fe- and Co-rich microwires, using the magneto-optical Kerr effect, MOKE, provide information on the magnetic structure in the outer shell of microwires. We have demonstrated the existence of the spiral helical structure in both studied microwires. At the same time, torsion mechanical stresses induce helical bistability in the same microwires, which allow us to consider these microwires as materials suitable for sensors based on the large Barkhausen jump.

Review of Domain Wall Dynamics Engineering in Magnetic Microwires.

The influence of magnetic anisotropy, post-processing conditions, and defects on the domain wall (DW) dynamics of amorphous and nanocrystalline Fe-, Ni-, and Co-rich microwires with spontaneous and annealing-induced magnetic bistability has been thoroughly analyzed, with an emphasis placed on the influence of magnetoelastic, induced and magnetocrystalline anisotropies. Minimizing magnetoelastic anisotropy, either by the selection of a chemical composition with a low magnetostriction coefficient or by heat treatment, is an appropriate route for DW dynamics optimization in magnetic microwires. Stress-annealing allows further improvement of DW velocity and hence is a promising method for optimization of DW dynamics in magnetic microwires. The origin of current-driven DW propagation in annealing-induced magnetic bistability is attributed to magnetostatic interaction of outer domain shell with transverse magnetization orientation and inner axially magnetized core. The beneficial influence of the stress-annealing on DW dynamics has been explained considering that it allows increasing of the volume of outer domain shell with transverse magnetization orientation at the expense of decreasing the radius of inner axially magnetized core. Such transverse magnetic anisotropy can similarly affect the DW dynamics as the applied transverse magnetic field and hence is beneficial for DW dynamics optimization. Stress-annealing allows designing the magnetic anisotropy distribution more favorable for the DW dynamics improvement. Results on DW dynamics in various families of nanocrystalline microwires are provided. The role of saturation magnetization on DW mobility improvement is discussed. The DW shape, its correlation with the magnetic anisotropy constant and the microwire diameter, as well as manipulation of the DW shape by induced magnetic anisotropy are discussed. The engineering of DW propagation through local stress-annealing and DW collision is demonstrated.

The role of uniaxial magnetic anisotropy distribution on domain wall tilting in amorphous glass-coated microwires

Magnetic properties of highly magnetostrictive amorphous glass-coated microwires are strongly correlated to the presence of a glass coating that introduces a spatially inhomogeneous stress field distribution. We investigate the influence of mechanical stresses on the inclination of magnetic domain walls in magnetic microwires. Magneto-optical Kerr effect imaging is used to compare the tilted orientation of the domain wall shape in as-cast and annealed microwires. Angular dependencies of magnetization loops measured by alternating gradient field magnetometry reveal that the change of domain wall tilting with annealing is related to the decrease of magnetic anisotropy with axial orientation. Finally, micromagnetic simulations are used to show that sufficiently high uniaxial magnetic anisotropy gives rise to the presence of observed charged domain walls with tilted orientation.

Coercivity and Magnetic Anisotropy of (Fe0.76Si0.09B0.10P0.05)97.5Nb2.0Cu0.5 Amorphous and Nanocrystalline Alloy Produced by Gas Atomization Process.

We present the evolution of magnetic anisotropy obtained from the magnetization curve of (Fe0.76Si0.09B0.10P0.05)97.5Nb2.0Cu0.5 amorphous and nanocrystalline alloy produced by a gas atomization process. The material obtained by this process is a powder exhibiting amorphous character in the as-atomized state. Heat treatment at 480 °C provokes structural relaxation, while annealing the powder at 530 °C for 30 and 60 min develops a fine nanocrystalline structure. Magnetic anisotropy distribution is explained by considering dipolar effects and the modified random anisotropy model.

Stress-induced magnetic anisotropy enabling engineering of magnetic softness of Fe-rich amorphous microwires

Stress-annealing allows considerably modify magnetic properties of Fe-rich glass-coated microwires. Varying the stress-annealing conditions (temperature, time and stress applied during the annealing) we can observe either remarkable improvement of magnetic softness and giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect. Observed changes have been attributed to the transverse magnetic anisotropy. An improvement of the circumferential permeability in the surface layer of metallic nucleus is evidenced from observed magnetic softening and remarkable GMI effect rising. We assumed that stress-annealing leads to an increase in the outer domain sheath with transverse magnetic anisotropy rise in expense of inner axially magnetized core typically existing in as-prepared Fe-rich microwires. Consequently, stress annealing enabled us to design the magnetic anisotropy distribution beneficial for optimization of the GMI effect and magnetic softness of Fe-rich magnetic microwires.

Controlling the domain wall dynamics in Fe-, Ni- and Co-based magnetic microwires

Abstract We studied influence of post-processing (annealing and stress-annealing) on domain wall dynamics in Fe-, Ni- and Co-based magnetic microwires with spontaneous and induced magnetic bistability. As-prepared Co-based microwires with low and negative magnetostriction present linear hysteresis loops. Magnetic bistability in Co-based microwires has been induced by annealing. Minimizing magnetoelastic anisotropy either by adjusting the chemical composition with a low magnetostriction coefficient or by heat treatment is an appropriate route for the domain wall dynamics optimization in magnetic microwires. Stress-annealing allows further improvement of domain wall velocity and hence is a promising method allowing optimization of the DW dynamics in magnetic microwires. The beneficial influence of stress-annealing on the DW dynamics is explained considering an increase in the volume of outer domain shell with transverse magnetization orientation in expense of decrease in the radius of the inner axially magnetized core. Such transverse magnetic anisotropy can affect the DW dynamics in similar way as the applied transverse magnetic field and hence is beneficial for the DW dynamics optimization. Thus, stress-annealing allows designing the magnetic anisotropy distribution more favorable for the DW dynamics improvement. Co-rich microwires with magnetic bistability induced by annealing present a considerable enhancement in the DW velocity upon applied tensile stress: exactly the opposite to the case of magnetic microwires with spontaneous magnetic bistability. Observed dependence has been explained considering decrease in the magnetostriction coefficient under effect of the applied stress.

Stress-Induced Magnetic Anisotropy Enabling Engineering of Magnetic Softness GMI Effect and Domain Wall Dynamics of Amorphous Microwires

Abstract—We showed that stress-annealing performed under proper conditions can improve magnetic softness, domain wall (DW) velocity and giant magneto-impedance (GMI) effect of Fe-based microwires. One order of magnitude improvement of GMI ratio and more than 100% increase of DW velocity have been achieved by stress-annealing. Observed dependencies have been related to the domain structure modification evidenced from the evolution of the hysteresis loops upon stress-annealing. We discussed observed results considering that the outer domain shell with transverse magnetic anisotropy affects the travelling DW in a similar way as the application of transverse bias magnetic field. GMI ratio improvement is attributed to beneficial magnetic anisotropy distribution achieved by stress-annealing.

The formation process and structure of the skyrmion bubble lattice in magnetic multilayers

Magnetic skyrmions are attracting considerable interest in scientific research and practical applications. Recently, a novel phenomenon was observed in which a skyrmion bubble lattice could be induced by a slightly tilted in-plane magnetic field in a multilayer film. In this article, the formation process of a skyrmion bubble lattice was investigated by micromagnetic simulation considering the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya (DM) interaction and distribution of magnetic anisotropy. The exchange field that prevents the reversal of moments was minimized when the magnetic moments were aligned by a slightly tilted in-plane magnetic field. Many small reversed domains were formed in the regions where the demagnetization field conquers the anisotropy field after the removal of the external field and developed into a stable skyrmion bubble array. The DM interaction has an obvious influence on the size and precise moment structure of the stable skyrmion bubbles but has little effect on the nucleation of reversed domains.