Abstract
Using depth- and element-resolved characterization, we report insights into antiferromagnetic coupling in (YIG/Py) and (YIG/Co) thin-film heterostructures grown on and substrates. We build on recent work demonstrating antiferromagnetic coupling in polycrystalline YIG/metallic-ferromagnetic systems by characterizing differences in the structural and magnetic properties which depend on the choice of ferromagnet (Py vs Co), seed layer (with and without Pt), and substrate . These differences in the sample structure manifest as notable changes in interface coupling sign, magnetic reversal mechanisms, magnetic depth profiles, and domain structure. Through a combination of magnetometry, polarized neutron reflectometry, and x-ray photoemission electron microscopy, a comprehensive picture of the magnetic interactions is realized, with lateral- and depth resolution at submicrometer and nanometer scales, respectively. These results confirm that both Co and Py share a preference to align antiparallel to polycrystalline YIG grown on some substrates and , while coupling ferromagnetically with highly oriented YIG on (111) and (110) substrates. The complex interplay among magnetic interactions at the YIG/ferromagnetic interface has important implications for spintronic and magnonic devices based on this platform.
- Received 4 May 2022
- Revised 24 June 2022
- Accepted 31 August 2022
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.6.094418
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