Spin Reorientation in Fe/Nd Multilayered Films from Neutron Diffraction Experiments

Abstract

Spin reorientation phenomena in Fe/Nd multilayered films are investigated by neutron diffraction and magnetization measurements. Average magnetic moments of the Fe and Nd layers are estimated at various temperatures in the presence of applied fields. In the field of 9.4 kOe, no spin reorientation is observed in the Fe layer even at 24 K. In contrast, the Nd layer shows the spin reorientation. In weaker fields, the spin reorientation is observed both in the Fe and Nd layers. These facts indicate that the perpendicular anisotropy of the Nd layer is a main origin of the spin reorientation.