Influence of an interface layer on the effective coupling at a ferromagnet/antiferromagnet interface

Chew, K.-H. and Stamps, R.L. (2010) Influence of an interface layer on the effective coupling at a ferromagnet/antiferromagnet interface. Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, 322(9-12), pp. 1327-1329. (doi: 10.1016/j.jmmm.2009.03.034)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jmmm.2009.03.034

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 Néel 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.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Stamps, Professor Robert
Authors: Chew, K.-H., and Stamps, R.L.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials
ISSN:0304-8853

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