Reorientation of Spin Density Waves in Cr(001) Films induced by Fe(001) Cap Layers
arXiv:cond-mat/9807212 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.81.914
Abstract
Proximity effects of 20 Ã thin Fe layers on the spin density waves (SDWs) in epitaxial Cr(001) films are revealed by neutron scattering. Unlike in bulk Cr we observe a SDW with its wave vector Q pointing along only one {100} direction which depends dramatically on the film thickness t_{Cr}. For t_{Cr} < 250 Ã the SDW propagates out-of-plane with the spins in the film plane. For t_{Cr} > 1000 Ã the SDW propagates in the film plane with the spins out-of-plane perpendicular to the in-plane Fe moments. This reorientation transition is explained by frustration effects in the antiferromagnetic interaction between Fe and Cr across the Fe/Cr interface due to steps at the interface.
4 pages (RevTeX), 3 figures (EPS)