Abstract:
Antiferromagnet is a class of magnetic material with rich physics and potential application in spintronic devices. In this invited talk, I will present our research on discovering the interesting phenomenon of induced perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic (AFM/FM) exchange-coupled systems [1]. The established perpendicular magnetization of FM film could be attributed to either collinear-like or noncollinear exchange coupling with the AFM films that depend on the interplay between the interface crystalline anisotropy (spin-orbit coupling) of the interfacial AFM-FM moments and AFM spin structures (exchange coupling) of AFM films [2-5]. In addition, I will present the remarkable dual effect of spin-orbit and exchange coupling of noble metal-based AFM films on the induction of PMA in FM films [6]. Finally, I will present that a single AFM film can not only enhance long-range AFM ordering, but also exert control over the AFM spin structure of neighboring AFM films through AFM proximity effects; this modulation mechanism subsequently induces PMA in an adjacent FM film.