Interface local chemistry and magnetic asymmetry in (Fe/Mn) multilayers

The composition and magnetization interfacial profiles of thermally evaporated [Fe (5 nm)/Mn (20 nm)]10 multilayers were investigated for different deposition temperatures. Three-dimensional reconstructions and concentration depth profiles obtained by atom probe tomography evidence a chemical asymmetry between the Fe/Mn (Fe on Mn) interface and the Mn/Fe (Mn on Fe) interfaces. The magnetization depth profiles, measured by polarized neutron reflectometry, show a magnetic asymmetry between the two interfaces.