Magnetic Superlattices with Variable Interlayer Exchange Coupling: A New Approach for the Investigation of Low-Dimensional Magnetism

Abstract

We have investigated the magnetic order in an [Fe(2)/(VHx)(13)] x 200 superlattice as a function of temperature and hydrogen content in the vanadium layers. A J(radially)-T magnetic phase diagram was established where J(radially) denotes the interlayer exchange coupling between adjacent Fe planes. We propose that Fe/V superlattices, in which the ratio of interlayer to intralayer coupling can be tuned continuously and reversibly via hydrogen in the nonmagnetic vanadium, offer a new approach for the study of low-dimensional magnetism and crossover effects near the transition from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic order.