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Exponential dependence of interlayer exchange coupling in Fe/MgO(001) superlattices on temperature

Nanny Strandqvist1, Tobias Warnatz1, Kristbjörg Anna Thórarinsdóttir2, Alexei Vorobiev1,3, Vassilios Kapaklis1, and Björgvin Hjörvarsson1

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Phys. Rev. Materials 10, 024404 – Published 9 February, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/r9vz-kqvm

Abstract

The interlayer exchange coupling in Fe/MgO(001) superlattices is found to increase exponentially with decreasing temperature. Around 150 K, the field-induced response changes from discrete switching—governed by field-driven domain propagation—to a collective rotation of the magnetic layers. This transition is accompanied by a change in the magnetic ground state from 180∘ (antiferromagnetic) to 90∘ alignment between adjacent Fe layers. These effects are argued to arise from quantum-well states, defined by the total thickness of the samples.

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Phys. Rev. Materials 10, 024404– Published 9 February, 2026
  • Received 9 May 2025
  • Accepted 8 January 2026
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