Abstract
We have used spin-polarized neutron reflectometry to investigate the magnetization profile of superlattices composed of ferromagnetic Gd and superconducting Nb layers. We have observed a partial suppression of ferromagnetic (F) order of Gd layers in [ superlattices below the superconducting (S) transition of the Nb layers. The amplitude of the suppression decreases with increasing . By analyzing the neutron spin asymmetry we conclude that the observed effect has an electromagnetic origin—the proximity-coupled S layers screen out the external magnetic field and thus suppress the F response of the Gd layers inside the structure. Our investigation demonstrates the considerable influence of electromagnetic effects on the magnetic properties of S/F systems.
- Received 18 February 2019
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.99.140503
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