Magnetization amplified by structural disorder within nanometre-scale interface region

Y. Murakami, K. Niitsu, T. Tanigaki, R. Kainuma, H. S. Park, D. Shindo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Direct magnetization measurements from narrow, complex-shaped antiphase boundaries (APBs; that is, planar defect produced in any ordered crystals) are vitally important for advances in materials science and engineering. However, in-depth examination of APBs has been hampered by the lack of experimental tools. Here, based on electron microscopy observations, we report the unusual relationship between APBs and ferromagnetic spin order in Fe 70 Al 30. Thermally induced APBs show a finite width (2-3â ‰nm), within which significant atomic disordering occurs. Electron holography studies revealed an unexpectedly large magnetic flux density at the APBs, amplified by approximately 60% (at 293â ‰K) compared with the matrix value. At elevated temperatures, the specimens showed a peculiar spin texture wherein the ferromagnetic phase was confined within the APB region. These observations demonstrate ferromagnetism stabilized by structural disorder within APBs, which is in direct contrast to the traditional understanding. The results accordingly provide rich conceptual insights for engineering APB-induced phenomena.

Original languageEnglish
Article number4133
JournalNature communications
Volume5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 18 2014
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

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