Finite-size effects and “surface spin-flop” phenomena in antiferromagnetically coupled multilayers

Effect of [Fe(CN)6]4– Substitutions on the Spin-Flop Transition of a Layered Nickel Phyllosilicate

“…On the other hand, the existence of a second transition is reminiscent of a surface spin-flop phenomenon and due to the short structural coherence length along the film normal a strong contribution from the surfaces is expected. Two-stage spin-flop phenomena occur in finite antiferromagnetic layer systems because of inhomogeneous flopped states. , In our case this would imply an inhomogeneous spin state along the normal to the planes that nucleates near the surface and penetrates the superlattice with increasing field.…”

“…Two-stage spin-flop phenomena occur in finite antiferromagnetic layer systems because of inhomogeneous flopped states. 32,33 In our case this would imply an inhomogeneous spin state along the normal to the planes that nucleates near the surface and penetrates the superlattice with increasing field. The coexistence of competing symmetric and antisymmetric interactions of comparable magnitude is another possible mechanism that can result in two-stage spin-flop transitions.…”

“…Two-stage spin-flop phenomena occur in finite antiferromagnetic layer systems because of inhomogeneous flopped states. 32,33 In our case this would imply an inhomogeneous spin state along the normal to the planes that nucleates near the surface and penetrates the superlattice with increasing field.…”