Paper from the Chicago conferenceMagnetic properties of FeMn superlattices

Some magnetic properties of FeMn superlattice films have been investigated. X-ray diffraction data show that the films have a textured bcc Fe(110)α-Mn(330) stacking. The interface thickness, due to interdiffusion, has been assessed to be 12A from the reduction of the saturation magnetization. The temperature dependence of the magnetization shows bulk-like properties for thick Fe and Mn layers. Superimposed on these, spin-glass-like behavior is observed, which can be attributed to the region of interdiffusion. The coercive and anisotropy fields have been found to increase abruptly for larger Mn layer thickness. Possible origins of this behavior are discussed, including the inverse magnetostrictive effect and the magnetostatic interaction between the Fe layers.