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 observ ed at the L-II (2p(1/2) --> 5d) edges of both components of the superlattic es, proving that a coherent spin-density wave is established in the 5d band s of both elements. Multi-q magnetic structures were induced in the Pr, and the two components of the superlattice were found to adopt identical magne tic modulation vectors. Magnetic superlattice peaks were observed in Q-scan s at both edges and from these we were able to determine the magnetization profiles in each component of the superlattice separately. From the width o f the magnetic peaks in the wave-vector, Delta Q, we were able to measure t he magnetic coherence of the Delta Q, and the results demonstrate that the observed spin-density wave in the Pr is responsible for the coupling betwee n successive Nd blocks.