1. Interlayer exchange coupling and its temperature dependence in [Pt/Co]4/MgO/[Co/Pt]2 perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions
- Author
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F. Zhang, X. Y. Han, L. Li, Y. F. Lv, N. Wang, and J. J. Zhang
- Subjects
Materials science ,Coupling strength ,Condensed matter physics ,General Physics and Astronomy ,Condensed Matter::Mesoscopic Systems and Quantum Hall Effect ,Coupling (electronics) ,Condensed Matter::Materials Science ,Magnetization ,Ferromagnetism ,Experimental proof ,Condensed Matter::Superconductivity ,Thermal ,Perpendicular ,Antiferromagnetism ,Condensed Matter::Strongly Correlated Electrons - Abstract
In the [ Pt / Co ] 4 / MgO / [ Co / Pt ] 2 perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions, we have observed antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling when the spacer thickness is larger than 12 A, and a transition to ferromagnetic coupling for lower MgO thickness. The dependence of the interlayer coupling strength on the MgO spacer thickness is well fitted by the theory of free-electron model, providing an unambiguous experimental proof for interlayer exchange coupling theory. The thermal behavior of interlayer coupling shows a translation from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic coupling at 145 K. It can be mainly ascribed to the temperature-dependent enhancement of the magnetization of the ferromagnetic layers.
- Published
- 2010
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