Ferromagnetism in B2-Ordered Alloys Induced via Lattice Defects

This chapter considers the case of B2-ordered alloys that are initially non-ferromagnetic and where the introduction of lattice defects can cause the onset of ferromagnetism. This disorder-induced ferromagnetism is confined to the regions where the defects are concentrated. In general, the lattice can be thermally re-ordered, removing the defects and erasing the magnetized regions. Using B2 Fe60Al40 thin films as a prototype, the use of ion irradiation as well as pulsed laser irradiation for inducing antisite defects in the crystalline lattice is demonstrated. Ion beams can be applied as broad beams in combination with shadow masks for printing magnetic patterns over large areas, or focused down to approximately nanometer diameters for stylus-like writing of nanomagnets of desired geometries. The patterning resolution is limited by the lateral scattering of ions and can be estimated by semi-empirical modelling, described in this chapter. In the case of laser pulsing, disordering can be induced at thin film surfaces for pulse fluences above the melting threshold. Pulsing below the threshold can lead to surface re-ordering, erasing the magnetic regions and achieving all-laser re-writeable patterning. Localized disordering of B2 ordered systems thus enables a versatile path to embedding highly resolved non-volatile magnets at room temperature, with potential in magnetic device applications.