Influence of an interface layer on the effective coupling at a ferromagnet/antiferromagnet interface
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2010
Abstract
We examine the exchange anisotropy induced at a ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic interface when an antiferromagnetic interface layer exists. We show that competition between exchange couplings in the interface layer can result in a ferrimagnetic-like compensation point. This leads to a reversal of the effective field acting on the ferromagnet, and a consequent sign change of the exchange bias for temperatures near the Neel temperature of the antiferromagnet. A surprising result is the sensitive dependence of the compensation point on exchange interactions. Even minute modifications of the exchange interactions near the interface can result in a reversal of the effective field, provided certain conditions are met. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords
Exchange bias, Interface magnetic property, Interface effect, Exchange bias
Divisions
PHYSICS
Publication Title
Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials
Volume
322
Issue
9-12
Additional Information
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science Building, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA