arXiv subjects

Darius Pohl

Publications and source records attributed to Darius Pohl.

26 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2018

Induction Mapping of the 3D-Modulated Spin Texture of Skyrmions in Thin Helimagnets

Envisaged applications of skyrmions in magnetic memory and logic devices crucially depend on the stability and mobility of these topologically non-trivial magnetic textures in thin films. We present for the first time quantitative maps of the magnetic induction that provide evidence for a 3D modulation of the skyrmionic spin texture. The projected in-plane magnetic induction maps as determined from in-line and off-axis electron holography carry the clear signature of Bloch skyrmions. However, the magnitude of this induction is much smaller than the values expected for homogeneous Bloch skyrmions that extend throughout the thickness of the film. This finding can only be understood, if the underlying spin textures are modulated along the out-of-plane z direction. The projection of (the in-plane magnetic induction of) helices is further found to exhibit thickness-dependent lateral shifts, which show that this z modulation is accompanied by an (in-plane) modulation along the x and y directions.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2017

EMCD with an electron vortex filter: Limitations and possibilities

We discuss the feasibility of detecting spin polarized electronic transitions with a vortex filter. This approach does not rely on the principal condition of the standard energy loss magnetic chiral dichroism (EMCD) technique, the precise alignment of the crystal, and thus paves the way for the application of EMCD to new classes of materials and problems. The dichroic signal strength in the L$_{2,3}$-edge of ferromagnetic cobalt is estimated on theoretical grounds. It is shown that magnetic dichroism can, in principle, be detected. However, as an experimental test shows, count rates are currently too low under standard conditions.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

On the origin of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in strained Fe-Co(-X) films

Very high magnetic anisotropies have been theoretically predicted for strained Fe-Co(-X) and indeed several experiments on epitaxial thin films seemed to confirm strain induced anisotropy enhancement. This study presents a critical analysis of the different contributions to perpendicular anisotropy: volume, interface and surface anisotropies. Tracing these contributions, thickness series of single layer films as well as multilayers with Au-Cu buffers/interlayers of different lattice parameters have been prepared. The analysis of their magnetic anisotropy reveals a negligible influence of the lattice parameter of the buffer. Electronic effects, originating from both, the Au-Cu interface and the film surface, outrange the elastic effects. Surface anisotropy, however, exceeds the interface anisotropy by more than a factor of three. A comparison with results from Density Functional Theory suggests, that the experimentally observed strong perpendicular surface anisotropy originates from a deviation from an ideal oxide-free surface. Accordingly, tailored Fe-Co-X/oxide interfaces may open a route towards high anisotropy in rare-earth free materials.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Intra-wire coupling in segmented Ni/Cu nanowires deposited by electrodeposition

Segmented magnetic nanowires are a promising route for the development of three dimensional data storage techniques. Such devices require a control of the coercive field and the coupling mechanisms between individual magnetic elements. In our study, we investigate electrodeposited nanomagnets within host templates using vibrating sample magnetometry and observe a strong dependence between nanowire length and coercive field (25 nm to 5 $μ$m) and diameter (25 nm to 45 nm). A transition from a magnetization reversal through coherent rotation to domain wall propagation is observed at an aspect ratio of approximately 2. Our results are further reinforced via micromagnetic simulations and angle dependent hysteresis loops. The found behavior is exploited to create nanowires consisting of a fixed and a free segment in a spin-valve like structure. The wires are released from the membrane and electrically contacted, displaying a giant magnetoresistance effect that is attributed to individual switching of the coupled nanomagnets. We develop a simple analytical model to describe the observed switching phenomena and to predict stable and unstable regimes in coupled nanomagnets of certain geometries.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Magnetic properties of single nanomagnets: EMCD on FePt nanoparticles

Energy-loss magnetic chiral dichroism (EMCD) allows for the quantification of magnetic properties of materials at the nanometer scale. It is shown that with the support of simulations that help to identify the optimal conditions for a successful experiment and upon implementing measurement routines that effectively reduce the noise floor, EMCD measurements can be pushed towards quantitative magnetic measurements even on individual nanoparticles. With this approach, the ratio of orbital to spin magnetic moments for the Fe atoms in a single L$1_0$ ordered FePt nanoparticle is determined to be ${m_l}/{m_s} = 0.08 \pm 0.02$. This finding is in good quantitative agreement with the results of XMCD ensemble measurements.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

From soft to hard magnetic Fe-Co-B by spontaneous strain: A combined first principle and thin film study

In order to convert the well-known Fe-Co-B alloy from a soft to a hard magnet, we propose tetragonal strain by interstitial boron. Density functional theory reveals that when B atoms occupy octahedral interstitial sites, the bcc Fe-Co lattice is strained spontaneously. Such highly distorted Fe-Co is predicted to reach a strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy which may compete with shape anisotropy. Probing this theoretical suggestion experimentally, epitaxial films are examined. A spontaneous strain up to 5 % lattice distortion is obtained for B contents up to 4 at%, which leads to uniaxial anisotropy constants exceeding 0.5 MJ/m^3. However, a further addition of B results in a partial amorphization, which degrades both anisotropy and magnetization.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2014

Increased magnetocrystalline anisotropy in epitaxial Fe-Co-C thin films with spontaneous strain

Rare earth free alloys are in focus of permanent magnet research since the accessibility of the elements needed for nowadays conventional magnets is limited. Tetragonally strained iron-cobalt (Fe-Co) has attracted large interest as promising candidate due to theoretical calculations. In experiments, however, the applied strain quickly relaxes with increasing film thickness and hampers stabilization of a strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy. In our study we show that already 2 at% of carbon substantially reduce the lattice relaxation leading to the formation of a spontaneously strained phase with 3 % tetragonal distortion. In these strained (Fe$_{0.4}$Co$_{0.6}$)$_{0.98}$C$_{0.02}$ films, a magnetocrystalline anisotropy above 0.4 MJ/m$^3$ is observed while the large polarization of 2.1 T is maintained. Compared to binary Fe-Co this is a remarkable improvement of the intrinsic magnetic properties. In this paper, we relate our experimental work to theoretical studies of strained Fe-Co-C and find a very good agreement.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2010

Coherent interfacial bonding on the FeAs tetrahedron in Fe/Ba(Fe(1-x)Co(x))2As2 bilayers

We demonstrate the growth of epitaxial Fe/Ba(Fe(1-x)Co(x))2As2 (Fe/Ba-122) bilayers on MgO(001) and LSAT(001) single crystal substrates using Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD). By exploiting the metallic nature of the FeAs tetrahedron in the Ba-122 crystal structure, we achieve a coherent interfacial bond between bcc iron and Co-doped Ba-122. Tc values for both bilayers were close to that of the PLD target. Direct observation of interfacial bonding between Fe and the Ba-122 FeAs sublattice by atomic resolution transmission electron microscopy implies that this bilayer architecture may work for other iron pnictide systems and pave the way for the fabrication of superconducting/ferromagnetic heterostructures.

cond-mat.supr-con↗