In-plane magnetic anisotropy of Fe/V (001) superlattices

Abstract The magnetization and the in-plane magnetic anisotropy energy of Fe (15 ML )/ V (1 – 12 ML ) superlattices have been examined and their relation to the growth of the superlattices is discussed. The individual lattice parameters of the strained Fe and V layers are calculated theoretically from the elastic energy. The calculations rather accurately reproduce the experimentally derived average lattice parameters of the superlattices. The measured in-plane magnetic anisotropy is compared to calculated results employing bulk values of the anisotropy constants and magnetoelastic coupling coefficients. A good agreement between the results is found provided interface coefficients are included in the calculations. A first principles study reproduces an observed reduction in saturation moments of the interface and is shown to be caused by an induced moment on the interface V atoms that couple antiparallel to the Fe moments in combination with a reduction of the magnetic moments of the Fe atoms at the interface. A theoretical calculation of bulk Fe reproduces the experimental ‘bulk’ contribution to the magnetocrystalline anisotropy and the magnetoelastic coupling of the films.