LAUSR

Existence of 2π-planar domain walls (DWs) are often reported for transition metal-rare-earth (TM/RE) layered systems. The magnetization process of such two-dimensional randomly anisotropical system in the form of 2π-DWs is directly correlated with topologically stable helices. Here, instead of TM/RE, we have investigated [Dy/Tb]10 multilayers involving two different anisotropic layers of rare-earth/rare-earth (RE/RE). Using magnetization and susceptibility as function of temperature along with thermo-remanent magnetization measurements we have confirmed superspin-glass type of behavior within this RE/RE system. Additionally, an exchange bias field up to –0.88 kOe (–88 mT) was also revealed for such rare-earth based multilayers. Interestingly, using detailed analysis of the polarized neutron reflectometry profiles, we find evidences of superimposed helical magnetic configurations within both materials of Dy and Tb associated with spin-frustrated interfaces. Furthermore, magnetization fluctuations around the mean magnetization from vertically uncorrelated domains were observed with polarized off-specular neutron scattering. We believe that coexistence of helical ground states with superspin-glass-like ordering are fundamentally instrumental for topologically stability in RE/RE systems, which in principle, can be exploited in all-spin-based technology.Some layered two-dimensional systems exhibit topologically stable helices in the form of planar magnetic domain walls, which hold potential for all-spin-based technologies. Here, the authors investigate domain walls in rare earth systems and find topologically stable helical ground states which coexist with superspin-glass-like ordering.