Nuclear resonance reflectivity from a [57Fe/Cr]30 multilayer with the Synchrotron Mössbauer Source

Abstract

Mössbauer reflectivity spectra and nuclear resonance reflectivity (NRR) curves have been measured using the Synchrotron Mössbauer Source (SMS) for a [57Fe/Cr]30 periodic multilayer, characterized by the antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling between adjacent 57Fe layers. Specific features of the Mössbauer reflectivity spectra measured with π-polarized radiation of the SMS near the critical angle and at the 'magnetic' maximum on the NRR curve are analyzed. The variation of the ratio of lines in the Mössbauer reflectivity spectra and the change of the intensity of the 'magnetic' maximum under an applied external field has been used to reveal the transformation of the magnetic alignment in the investigated multilayer.Mössbauer reflectivity experiments performed using the Synchrotron Mössbauer Source at the ESRF demonstrate the high efficiency of such investigations for the analysis and understanding of multilayer structures and magnetization profiles.