Vector magnetization depth profile of a Laves-phase exchange-coupled superlattice obtained using a combined approach of micromagnetic simulation and neutron reflectometry

Abstract

Owing to the coexistence of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic exchange coupling in an exchange-coupled Laves-phase superlattice composed of $\mathrm{Dy}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{Y}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}$ layers, the field dependence of the magnetization depth profile is complex. Using an approach that combines micromagnetic simulation and analysis of neutron scattering data, we have obtained the depth dependence of magnetization across the $\mathrm{Dy}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}∕\mathrm{Y}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}$ interfaces. We find that the exchange interaction across the interface is reduced compared to the exchange interaction of the constituent layers, thereby compromising the ability of this system to resist magnetization reversal in large applied fields.