Antiferromagnetic coupling and perpendicular anisotropy in TbFeCo∕NiO multilayers

For Tbx(Fe90Co10)100−x(40nm)∕NiO(3.3nm) multilayers with x=17 and 19, antiferromagnetic coupling is revealed by both in-plane and out-of-plane hysteresis loops at low temperatures. Magnetic perpendicular anisotropy and out-of-plane coercivity of multilayers are enhanced, in comparison to those of TbFeCo single layer films. The strength of the antiferromagnetic coupling, the perpendicular anisotropy, and out-of-plane coercivity are all reduced at high temperatures. These results can be ascribed to the weakening of antiferromagnetic ordering of NiO spins.

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