X-ray resonant scattering study of spin-density waves in a superlattice

The magnetic structures of Nd/Pr superlattices have been investigated using x-ray magnetic resonant scattering. Magnetic dipole resonances were observed at the L-II (2p(1/2) --> 5d) edges of both components of the superlattices, proving that a coherent spin-density wave is established in the 5d bands of both elements. Multi-q magnetic structures were induced in the Pr, and the two components of the superlattice were found to adopt identical magnetic modulation vectors. Magnetic superlattice peaks were observed in Q-scans at both edges and from these we were able to determine the magnetization profiles in each component of the superlattice separately. From the width of the magnetic peaks in the wave-vector, Delta Q, we were able to measure the magnetic coherence of the Delta Q, and the results demonstrate that the observed spin-density wave in the Pr is responsible for the coupling between successive Nd blocks.