Scientists Unlock the Secrets Behind Enhanced Magnetism in Novel Iridium-Doped Alloy

Scientists Unlock the Secrets Behind Enhanced Magnetism in Novel Iridium-Doped Alloy

Science News

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science (TUS) have uncovered the mechanisms behind the enhanced magnetic properties of a newly discovered iridium-doped iron-cobalt (Fe-Co-Ir) alloy, marking a significant breakthrough in materials science. Their findings, published in Physical Review Materials on March 12, 2025, could pave the way for the development of more efficient electric motors, next-generation spintronics, and high-density data storage technologies.

A Machine Learning Discovery

Ferromagnetic materials are essential to modern technology, from data storage to electric motors. Fe-Co alloys, widely used for their strong magnetization, have long been a focus of research. However, their performance has reached a plateau, driving scientists to explore new ways to enhance their properties.

Recent advances in computational techniques, particularly the use of machine learning integrated with quantum mechanical calculations, have accelerated the search for high-performance magnetic materials. Among the promising candidates is Fe-Co-Ir, an alloy identified through machine learning that exhibits significantly higher magnetic moments than conventional Fe-Co alloys. Despite its potential, the exact cause of this enhancement has remained unclear—until now.

Breakthrough Experimentation

A team led by Assistant Professor Takahiro Yamazaki at TUS, in collaboration with researchers from the National Institute of Materials Science (NIMS), Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, and the University of Hyogo, devised a novel approach to investigate the alloy’s properties.

Unlike previous studies that relied on polycrystalline thin films, the researchers used compositionally graded single-crystal Fe-Co-Ir thin films. This approach provided a controlled environment for analyzing the effects of iridium doping on magnetic properties. Using Japan’s largest synchrotron radiation facility, SPring-8, the team conducted X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements to study how each element contributed to the alloy’s magnetism.

Key Findings: Iridium’s Role in Magnetism

To better understand the impact of Ir, the researchers fabricated thin films with a gradual increase in Ir concentration, ranging from pure Fe-Co to an 11% Ir composition. They then performed XMCD measurements using both soft and hard X-rays to examine how magnetization changed at the atomic level.

The results showed a remarkable increase in magnetic moments: Fe’s magnetization improved by 1.44 times, while Ir’s magnetization rose by 1.54 times at 11% Ir concentration compared to 1% Ir. Further quantum mechanical calculations confirmed that Ir enhances magnetic properties by increasing electron localization and strengthening spin-orbit coupling between Fe, Co, and Ir atoms. This interaction significantly boosts the overall magnetization of the alloy.

Potential Applications in Technology

The study provides a foundation for designing high-performance ferromagnetic materials, which could revolutionize various technologies. “Our high-throughput evaluation workflow and theoretical analysis will aid in the development of highly efficient electric motors and next-generation high-density data storage devices,” said Yamazaki.

Fe-Co-Ir alloys could also play a role in developing cost-effective and environmentally friendly electronic devices, with the potential for commercial applications after further testing phases. The findings mark an important step toward creating advanced magnetic materials that support sustainable and energy-efficient technologies.

Sources:

DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.9.034408

Uncovering the origin of magnetic moment enhancement in Fe–Co–Ir alloys via high-throughput XMCD | Phys. Rev. Materials

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