Interface anisotropy and magnetization reversal in epitaxial Fe(001)/Pd double layers

Static and dynamic magnetic properties of epitaxial Fe(001) films with Pd overlayers have been measured by means of Brillouin light scattering and magneto-optic Kerr effect magnetometry. From low energy electron diffraction studies, the initial growth of Pd [d(Pd)<2 monolayer (ML)] is identified as a self-formation process of quasione-dimensional Pd structures. Auger electron spectroscopy examinations proved that for d(Pd)greater than or equal to 2 ML the Pd overlayers cover the Fe films almost completely. The measured frequencies of the dipolar spin wave mode and the derived anisotropy constants show a linear change with increasing d(Pd) up to 5 ML with following saturation. The M(H) curves show pronounced anomalies in the coercive field for d(Pd)<2 ML accompanied by large tails in the hysteresis loops. The results are interpreted as a strong pinning of domain walls caused by large local changes in the surface anisotropy due to the inhomogeneous Pd cover layer in this regime. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.