Nonlinear magnetoelastic anisotropy in Cu/Ni/Cu/Si(001) films

Abstract

A spin-pair model including magnetoelastic terms to second order in strain is used to analyze the magnetic anisotropy of epitaxial Cu/Ni/Cu/Si(001) films. Two adjustable parameters are used to fit the magnetic anisotropy data taken by a torque magnetometer. It is found that the nonlinear bulk magnetoelastic term can contribute up to about 40% of the total anisotropy energy for thinner nickel films.