Fig. 2: Bulk magnetic behavior and compositional properties of ∇ Gd > 0 sample. | Communications Materials

Fig. 2: Bulk magnetic behavior and compositional properties of ∇ Gd > 0 sample.

From: Mapping magnetization orientation within compositionally graded rare-earth transition-metal alloy thin films for spintronics

Fig. 2

a Schematic of the ∇ Gd > 0 sample grown with the nominal structure \({{\rm{Pt}}}(5\,{{\rm{nm}}})\setminus {{{\rm{Gd}}}}_{{{\rm{x}}}}{({{{\rm{Co}}}}_{30}{{{\rm{Fe}}}}_{70})}_{1-{{\rm{x}}}}(40\,{{\rm{nm}}})\setminus {{\rm{Al}}}(7\,{{\rm{nm}}})\). The gradient color block in the GdCoFe layer serves as a guide to the eye, indicating a Gd concentration gradient from 19−24 at.%, increasing from the bottom to the top interface. b Secondary ion mass spectrometry profile of the ∇ Gd > 0 sample showing the elemental distribution through the GdCoFe layer. The Gd profile, shown as blue squares, confirms a positive gradient of Gd concentration through the layer, while Co and Fe, shown as green circles and black triangles respectively, exhibit an opposite gradient. c VSM magnetic hysteresis loop of the ∇ Gd > 0 sample measured at room temperature under IP and OOP magnetic fields. The inset displays the full measurement range showing saturation.

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