Magnetization amplified by structural disorder within nanometre-scale interface region

Abstract

Direct magnetization measurements from narrow, complex-shaped antiphase boundaries (APBs; that is, planar defect produced in any ordered crystals) are vitally important for advances in materials science and engineering. However, in-depth examination of APBs has been hampered by the lack of experimental tools. Here, based on electron microscopy observations, we report the unusual relationship between APBs and ferromagnetic spin order in Fe70Al30. Thermally induced APBs show a finite width (2–3 nm), within which significant atomic disordering occurs. Electron holography studies revealed an unexpectedly large magnetic flux density at the APBs, amplified by approximately 60% (at 293 K) compared with the matrix value. At elevated temperatures, the specimens showed a peculiar spin texture wherein the ferromagnetic phase was confined within the APB region. These observations demonstrate ferromagnetism stabilized by structural disorder within APBs, which is in direct contrast to the traditional understanding. The results accordingly provide rich conceptual insights for engineering APB-induced phenomena. Atomic disordering in antiphase boundary regions is believed to deteriorate ferromagnetic spin order in many alloys and compounds. Here, using electron microscopy, Murakami et al. report the unusual relationship between thermal antiphase boundaries and ferromagnetic spin order in Fe70Al30.