Canted standing spin-wave modes of permalloy thin films observed by ferromagnetic resonance. (12th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dąbrowski, Maciej; Hicken, Robert J; Frisk, Andreas; Newman, David G; Klewe, Christoph; N'Diaye, Alpha T; Shafer, Padraic; van der Laan, Gerrit; Hesjedal, Thorsten; Bowden, Graham J
• Is Part Of: New journal of physics. Volume 23:Number 2(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02-12
• Subjects: ferromagnetic resonance -- standing spin waves -- XFMR -- canted magnetization -- exchange spring magnet; Physics -- Periodicals; Physics; Periodicals; 530.05
• DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/abdd6b
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-2630

Abstract

Abstract: Non-collinear spin structures in materials that combine perpendicular and in-plane magnetic anisotropies are of great technological interest for microwave and spin wave-assisted magnetization switching. [Co/Pt] multilayers are well-known perpendicular anisotropy materials that have the potential to pin the magnetization of a soft magnetic layer, such as permalloy (Py), that has in-plane anisotropy, thereby forming a magnetic exchange spring. Here we report on multilayered [Co/Pt]/Pt/Py films, where an additional ultrathin Pt spacer has been included to control the coupling between the sub-units with in-plane and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Vector network analyser (VNA)-ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) measurements were made to obtain a complete picture of the resonant conditions, while the dynamical response of the sub-units was probed by synchrotron-based element- and phase selective x-ray detected FMR (XFMR). For all samples, only slight pinning of the dynamic magnetization of the Py by the [Co/Pt] was noted, and the FMR results were dominated by the 50 nm thick Py layer. Out-of-plane VNA-FMR maps reveal the presence of additional modes, e.g. a perpendicular standing spin-wave (PSSW) state. However, as the magnetic field is reduced below the saturation field, the PSSW state morphs continuously through a series of canted standing spin-wave (CSSW) states into a horizontal standing spin-wave (HSSW) state. The PSSW, CSSW and HSSW states are well described using a multilayer model of the Py film. The observation of CSSW modes is of particular relevance to microwave assisted magnetic recording, where microwave excitation stimulates precession of a soft layer canted out of plane by a pulsed magnetic field.