Study of GdCo/Si/Co/Si multilayers by polarized neutron reflectivity

Abstract

In order to better understand the interesting magnetic behaviour found in the Rare Earth-transition metal/(spacer)/transition metal multilayers, a multilayer of Co/[Si/Gd0.36Co0.64/Si/Co]4/glass was studied by SQUID magnetic measurements and polarized neutron reflectivity. A model for the magnetic profile of the sample was proposed, which fitted well the polarized neutron reflectivity measurements at different magnetic states: ferrimagnetic/antiparallel state, under an applied field of 55 Oe, canted states (315 and 675 Oe) and saturation state (1700 Oe). It was found that even at the expected collinear states (ferrimagnet and saturation states), the magnetization was not totally collinear and there was a small component of the magnetization perpendicular to the applied field.