Magnetocaloric properties of Co/Cr superlattices

POSTER

Abstract

Nanostructured materials aiming on refrigeration applications are experimentally realized by molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) growth of Co/Cr superlattices using mean-field theoretical concepts as guiding principles.\footnote{T. Mukherjee, S. Sahoo, R. Skomski, D. J. Sellmyer, and Ch. Binek, Phys. Rev. B \textbf{79}, 144406-1-9 (2009).} Magnetocaloric properties are deduced from measurements of the temperature and field dependence of the magnetization of our samples. More generally, the potential of artificial antiferromagnets for near room-temperature refrigeration is explored. The effects of intra-plane and inter-plane exchange interactions on the magnetic phase diagram in Ising-type model systems are revisited in mean-field considerations with special emphasis on tailoring magnetocaloric properties. The experimental results are discussed in light of our theoretical findings, and extrapolations for future improved nanostructures are provided. Financial support by NRI, and NSF through EPSCoR, Career DMR-0547887, and MRSEC.

Authors

  • Tathagata Mukherjee

    University of Nebraska

  • Ralph Skomski

    Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Department of Physics and Astronomy \& NCMN, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, Dept. Phys. \& Astr. and NCMN, University of Nebraska

  • David Sellmyer

    University of Nebraska, Lincoln, University of Nebraska

  • Christian Binek

    University of Nebraska