Investigation of induced Pt magnetic polarization in Pt/Y 3Fe5O12 bilayers

Abstract

Using X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements, we explore the possible existence of induced magnetic moments in thin Pt films deposited onto the ferrimagnetic insulator yttrium iron garnet (Y 3 Fe5 O 12). Such a magnetic proximity effect is well established for Pt/ferromagnetic metal heterostructures. Indeed, we observe a clear XMCD signal at the Pt L 3 edge in Pt/Fe bilayers, while no such signal can be discerned in XMCD traces of Pt / Y3 Fe5 O 12 bilayers. Integrating the XMCD signals allows to estimate an upper limit for the induced Pt magnetic polarization in Pt / Y3 Fe5 O 12 bilayers. © 2012 American Institute of Physics.