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Hartmut Zabel

Publications and source records attributed to Hartmut Zabel.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

Faster chiral versus collinear magnetic order recovery after optical excitation revealed by femtosecond XUV scattering

While chiral spin structures stabilized by Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) are candidates as novel information carriers, their dynamics on the fs-ps timescale is little known. Since with the bulk Heisenberg exchange and the interfacial DMI two distinct exchange mechanisms are at play, the ultra-fast dynamics of the chiral order needs to be ascertained and compared to the dynamics of the conventional collinear order. Using an XUV free-electron laser we determine the fs-ps temporal evolution of the chiral order in domain walls in a magnetic thin film sample by an IR pump - X-ray magnetic scattering probe experiment. Upon demagnetisation we observe that the dichroic (CL-CR) signal connected with the chiral order correlator $m_z m_x$ in the domain walls recovers significantly faster than the (CL+CR) sum signal representing the average collinear domain magnetisation $m_z^2 + m_x^2$. We explore possible explanations based on spin structure dynamics and reduced transversal magnetisation fluctuations inside the domain walls and find that the latter can explain the experimental data leading to different dynamics for collinear magnetic order and chiral magnetic order.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Ultrafast and Energy-Efficient Quenching of Spin Order: Antiferromagnetism Beats Ferromagnetism

By comparing femtosecond laser pulse induced ferro- and antiferromagnetic dynamics in one and the same material - metallic dysprosium - we show both to behave fundamentally different. Antiferromagnetic order is considerably faster and much more efficiently manipulated by optical excitation than its ferromagnetic counterpart. We assign the fast and extremely efficient process in the antiferromagnet to an interatomic transfer of angular momentum within the spin system. Our findings do not only reveal this angular momentum transfer channel effective in antiferromagnets and other magnetic structures with non-parallel spin alignment, they also point out a possible route towards energy-efficient spin manipulation for magnetic devices.

cond-mat.mes-hall

The effect of interface roughness on exchange bias in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 - BiFeO3 heterostructures

We characterized the interfaces of heterostructures with different stack sequences of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/BiFeO3 (LSMO/BFO) and BFO/LSMO using TEM revealing sharp and rough interfaces, respectively. Magnetometry and magnetoresistance measurements do not show a detectable exchange bias coupling for the multistack with sharp interface. Instead, the heterostructures with rough and chemically intermixed interfaces exhibit a sizable exchange bias coupling. Furthermore, we find a temperature-dependent irreversible magnetization behavior and an exponential decay of coercive and exchange bias field with temperature suggesting a possible spin-glass-like state at the interface of both stacks.

cond-mat.str-el

Solid Surface Structure Affects Liquid Order at the Polystyrene/SAM Interface

We present a combined x-ray and neutron reflectivity study characterizing the interface between polystyrene (PS) and silanized surfaces. Motivated by the large difference in slip velocity of PS on top of dodecyl-trichlorosilane (DTS) and octadecyl-trichlorosilane (OTS) found in previous studies, these two systems were chosen for the present investigation. The results reveal the molecular conformation of PS on silanized silicon. Differences in the molecular tilt of OTS and DTS are replicated by the adjacent phenyl rings of the PS. We discuss our findings in terms of a potential link between the microscopic interfacial structure and dynamic properties of polymeric liquids at interfaces.

cond-mat.soft

Template assisted self-assembly of individual and clusters of magnetic nanoparticles

The deliberate control over the spatial arrangement of nanostructures is the desired goal for many applications as e.g. in data storage, plasmonics or sensor arrays. Here we present a novel method to assist the self-assembly process of magnetic nanoparticles. The method makes use of nanostructured aluminum templates obtained after anodization of aluminum disks and the subsequent growth and removal of the newly formed alumina layer, resulting in a regular honeycomb type array of hexagonally shaped valleys. The iron oxide nanoparticles, 20 nm in diameter, are spin coated onto the nanostructured templates. Depending on the size, each hexagon site can host up to 30 nanoparticles. These nanoparticles form clusters of different arrangements within the valleys, such as collars, chains, and hexagonally closed islands. Ultimately, it is possible to isolate individual nanoparticles. The strengths of magnetic interaction between particles in a cluster is probed using the memory effect known from the coupled state in superspin glass systems.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Time resolved X-ray Resonant Magnetic Scattering in reflection geometry

We present a new setup to measure element-selective magnetization dynamics using the ALICE chamber (RSI \textbf{74}, 4048 (2003)) at the BESSY II synchrotron at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin. A magnetic field pulse serves as excitation, and the magnetization precession is probed by element selective X-ray Resonant Magnetic Scattering (XRMS). With the use of single bunch generated x-rays a temporal resolution well below 100 ps is reached. The setup is realized in reflection geometry and enables investigations of thin films described here, multilayers, and laterally structured samples. The combination of the time resolved setup with a cryostat in the ALICE chamber will allow to conduct temperature-dependent studies of precessional magnetization dynamics and of damping constants over a large temperature range and for a large variety of systems in reflection geometry.

cond-mat.mes-hall

Six-fold in-plane magnetic anisotropy in Co-implanted ZnO (0001)

Magnetic anisotropies of Co-implanted ZnO (0001) films grown on single-crystalline Al2O3 (11-20) substrates have been studied by ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) technique for different cobalt implantation doses. The FMR data show that the easy and hard axes have a periodicity of 60 degrees in the film plane, in agreement with the hexagonal structure of the ZnO films. This six-fold in-plane magnetic anisotropy, which is observed for the first time in ZnO-based diluted magnetic semiconductors, is attributed to the substitution of cobalt on Zn sites in the ZnO structure, and a clear indication for long range ferromagnetic ordering between substitutional cobalt ions in the single-crystalline ZnO films.

cond-mat.mes-hall

Vortex states in patterned exchange biased NiO/Ni samples

We investigated the magnetization reversal of arrays of exchange biased NiO/Ni squares with superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry and micromagnetic simulations. The edges of the squares were 0.5, 1.5, and 3.0 $μ$m long. The NiO/Ni structures exhibit vortexlike hysteresis loops and micromagnetic calculations show that this feature is due to several vortices nucleating in the islands. Furthermore, for the arrays with squares of 1.5 $μ$m edge length, the sign of the exchange bias field changes, as compared to the same continuous NiO/Ni layer. We attribute the vortex nucleation and the change of the exchange bias field to the interplay between shape and unidirectional anisotropy.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Dose dependence of ferromagnetism in Co-implanted ZnO

We have studied the structural, magnetic and electronic properties of Co-implanted ZnO (0001) films grown on Al2O3 (1120) substrates for different implantation doses and over a wide temperature range. Strong room temperature ferromagnetism is observed with magnetic parameters depending on the cobalt implantation dose. A detailed analysis of the structural and magnetic properties indicates that there are two magnetic phases in Co-implanted ZnO films. One is a ferromagnetic phase due to the formation of long range ferromagnetic ordering between implanted magnetic cobalt ions in the ZnO layer, the second one is a superparamagnetic phase, which occurs due to the formation of metallic cobalt clusters in the Al2O3 substrate. Using x-ray resonant magnetic scattering, the element specific magnetization of cobalt, oxygen and Zn was investigated. Magnetic dichroism was observed at the Co L2,3 edges as well as at the O K edge. In addition, the anomalous Hall effect is also observed, supporting the intrinsic nature of ferromagnetism in Co-implanted ZnO films.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

High temperature ferromagnetism in Co-implanted TiO2 rutile

We report on structural, magnetic and electronic properties of Co-implanted TiO2 rutile single crystals for different implantation doses. Strong ferromagnetism at room temperature and above is observed in TiO2 rutile plates after cobalt ion implantation, with magnetic parameters depending on the cobalt implantation dose. While the structural data indicate the presence of metallic cobalt clusters, the multiplet structure of the Co L3 edge in the XAS spectra gives clear evidence for a substitutional Co 2+ state. The detailed analysis of the structural and magnetic properties indicates that there are two magnetic phases in Co-implanted TiO2 plates. One is a ferromagnetic phase due to the formation of long range ferromagnetic ordering between implanted magnetic cobalt ions in the rutile phase, and the second one is a superparamagnetic phase originates from the formation of metallic cobalt clusters in the implanted region. Using x-ray resonant magnetic scattering, the element specific magnetization of cobalt, oxygen and titanium in Co-implanted TiO2 single crystals are investigated. Magnetic dichroism was observed at the Co L edges as well as at the O K edge. The interaction mechanism, which leads to ferromagnetic ordering of substituted cobalt ions in the host matrix, is also discussed.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Intrinsic room temperature ferromagnetism in Co-implanted ZnO

We report on the structural and magnetic properties of a cobalt-implanted ZnO film grown on a sapphire substrate. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy reveal the presence of a (10-10)-oriented hexagonal Co phase in the Al2O3 sapphire substrate, but not in the ZnO film. Co clusters, with a diameter of is about 5-6 nm, form a Co rich layer in the substrate close to the ZnO/Al2O3 interface. Magnetization measurements indicate that there exist two different magnetic phases in the implanted region. One originates from the Co clusters in Al2O3, the other one belongs to a homogeneous ferromagnetic phase with a ferromagnetic Curie temperature far above room temperature and can be attributed to Co substitution on Zn sites in the ZnO layer. We have observed magnetic dichroism at the Co L2,3 and O K edges at room temperature as well as the multiplet structure in x-ray absorption spectra around the Co L3 edge, supporting the intrinsic nature of the observed ferromagnetism in Co-implanted ZnO film. The magnetic moment per substituted cobalt is found about 2.81 Bohr magneton which is very close to the theoretical expected value of 3 Bohr magneton per Co atom for Co 2+ in its high spin state.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Exchange bias effect of ferro-/antiferromagnetic heterostructures

The exchange bias (EB) effect was discovered 60 years ago by Meiklejohn and Bean. Meanwhile the EB effect has become an integral part of modern magnetism with implications for basic research and for numerous device applications. The EB effect was the first of its kind which relates to an interface effect between two different classes of materials, here between a ferromagnet and an antiferromagnet. Here we review fundamental aspects of the exchange bias effect.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Quantitative description of the azimuthal dependence of the exchange bias effect

While the principal features of the exchange bias between a ferromagnet and an antiferromagnet are believed to be understood, a quantitative description is still lacking. We show that interface spin disorder is the main reason for the discrepancy of model calculations versus experimental results. Taking into account spin disorder at the interface between the ferromagnet and the antiferromagnet by modifying the well known Meiklejohn and Bean model, an almost perfect agreement can be reached. As an example this is demonstrated for the CoFe/IrMn exchange biased bilayer by analyzing the azimuthal dependence of magnetic hysteresis loops from MOKE measurements. Both, exchange bias and coercive fields for the complete 360$^\circ$ angular range are reproduced by our model.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Soft X-ray Resonant Magnetic Scattering Studies on Fe/CoO Exchange Bias System

We have used soft X-ray Resonant Magnetic Scattering (XRMS) to search for the presence of an effective ferromagnetic moment belonging to the antiferromagnetic (AF) layer which is in close contact with a ferromagnetic (F) layer. Taking advantage of the element specificity of the XRMS technique, we have measured hysteresis loops of both Fe and CoO layers of a CoO(40 Å)/Fe(150 Å) exchange bias bilayer. From these measurements we have concluded that the proximity of the F layer induces a magnetic moment in the AF layer. The F moment of the AF layer has two components: one is frozen and does not follow the applied magnetic field and the other one follows in phase the ferromagnetic magnetization of the F layer. The temperature dependence of the F components belonging to the AF layer is shown and discussed.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Reversing the training effect in exchange biased CoO/Co bilayers

We performed a detailed study of the training effect in exchange biased CoO/Co bilayers. High-resolution measurements of the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) are consistent with nucleation of magnetic domains in the antiferromagnetic CoO layer during the first magnetization reversal. This accounts for the enhanced spin rotation observed in the ferromagnetic Co layer for all subsequent reversals. Surprisingly, the AMR measurements as well as magnetization measurements reveal that it is possible to partially reinduce the untrained state by performing a hysteresis measurement with an in plane external field perpendicular to the cooling field. Indeed, the next hysteresis loop obtained in a field parallel to the cooling field resembles the initial asymmetric hysteresis loop, but with a reduced amount of spin rotation occurring at the first coercive field. This implies that the antiferromagnetic domains, which are created during the first reversal after cooling, can be partially erased.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci