Thickness-dependent magnetic anisotropy in ultrathinFe∕Co∕Cu(001)films

Abstract

Using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method, we have explored the thickness-dependent magnetic anisotropy of ultrathin Fe films with 1 ML Co underlayer on Cu͑001͒ as well as other magnetic properties. It has been found that the magnetic moment of Co underlay is almost intact with increasing Fe film thickness. A similar trend has been observed in interior Fe layers, whereas the surface Fe magnetic moment is greatly enhanced compared to those in other layers. Through magnetic anisotropy calculations, we have found that the 1 ML Fe film on Co/ Cu͑001͒ has a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, but the direction of magnetization changes to in-plane with increasing Fe coverage. It has been found that the spin-orbit interactions around the middle of Brillouin zone play an essential role in the spin reorientation transition.

Impact of organic capping layer on the magnetic anisotropy of ultrathin Co films

“…The tunneling properties and the stability of the magnetic tunneling junctions strongly depend on the structural and magnetic arrangement of the electrodes and barrier material. Several studies demonstrated an influence of nonmagnetic metals (NM) cover layers on the interfacial PMA of Co [10,11,12,13]. It has been recognized, that the effect is determined by the orbital moment anisotropy of Co and could be modified by an interface hybridization of the NM layer (e.g., its d or p orbitals) with Co 3d orbitals [14,15,16,17].…”