Modulation of spin dynamics across metal to insulator transitions in hybrid heterostructures

Abstract

Novel functionalities can be achieved in nanostructured materials in proximity with other dissimilar materials. An interesting possibility along these composite heterostructures is offered by ferromagnets in proximity to materials that simultaneously undergo a metal-insulator transition (MIT) and structural phase transition (SPT). In this study, the temperature induced phase transition effect of VO2 films has been used to modulate the electron spin resonance (ESR) and spin switching behaviors of the perpendicular magnetized (Co/Pt)3 multilayers. With comparative investigation, a significant magnetization switching in the (Co/Pt)3 multilayers can be distinguished to be driven by the temperature induced SPT in the coupled VO2 films, which could lead to the switch of the magnetic easy axis from out-of-plane to in-plane direction. The SPT modulated magnetic anisotropy in the VO2 coupled magnetic multilayers can be further confirmed by the angular dependent ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) fields at different temperatures. This work explores the new-type strain modulation of spin dynamics with SPT in the hybrid heterostructures, which may benefit the development of next generation spintronics devices with novel functionalities.

Keywords

• VO2
• Metal to insulator transition
• Electron spin resonance
• Magnetic multilayers