Experimental magnetic phase diagram of a Gd/Fe multilayered ferrimagnet

Abstract

The experimental magnetic phase diagram of a Gd/Fe multilayer with compensation temperature is reported. Aligned and twisted states are shown to occur as predicted by theoretical simulations. The critical field for the aligned-to-twisted state transition is maximum at 4.2 K and goes to a minimum at the compensation temperature. The magnetic susceptibility is largest at the onset of the twisted state, with a maximum at the compensation temperature. The critical field for the aligned-to-twisted state transition increases when the thickness of the layers decreases.