Magnetic ordering in Fe/X/Gd (X=Cr, Pd) superlattices

Abstract

We have studied the influence Cr and Pd spacers on structure and magnetic ordering in Fe/Gd superlattices. The insertion of Cr and Pd spacers in Fe/Gd has been found to cause structural changes in Gd layers. In particular, an additional fcc Gd phase appears in Fe/Cr/Gd along with the main hcp Gd phase, while there is amorphous Gd structure in Fe/Pd/Gd. By combining SQUID magnetometry and polarized neutron reflectometry we have shown that interlayer Fe-Gd exchange coupling through Pd spacers is much stronger than through Cr one.