Exchange-bias effect in Fe/Cr(211) double superlattice structures

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 2000 · Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.61.9653· OSTI ID:20215838

Jiang, J S ^[1]; Felcher, G P ^[1]; Inomata, A ^[1]; Goyette, R ^[1]; Nelson, C ^[1]; Bader, S D ^[1]

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1. Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439 (United States)

Shifted hysteresis loops characteristic of the exchange-bias effect between a ferromagnet (F) and an antiferromagnet (AF) are demonstrated in ''double-superlattice'' structures. Utilizing the well-established oscillatory interlayer exchange coupling in Fe/Cr, we have constructed [Fe/Cr]{sup AF}/Cr/[Fe/Cr]{sup F} double superlattices where Fe/Cr superlattices with appropriate Cr-spacer thickness represent the F and the AF. The double superlattices are (211)-oriented epitaxial films sputter grown on single-crystal MgO(110) substrates. The AF/F interface is coherent compared to conventional exchange-bias interfaces consisting of dissimilar AF and F phases. Magnetization results show that AF/F exchange coupling affects the nucleation of reverse magnetic domains, and that the magnitude of the exchange-bias field is given directly by the classic formula for collinear spin structures. The collinear spin distribution is confirmed by polarized neutron reflectivity. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.

• OSTI ID: 20215838
• Journal Information: Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, Vol. 61, Issue 14; Other Information: PBD: 1 Apr 2000; ISSN 1098-0121
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
EXCHANGE INTERACTIONS
SUPERLATTICES
HYSTERESIS
IRON
CHROMIUM
FERROMAGNETIC MATERIALS
ANTIFERROELECTRIC MATERIALS
SPUTTERING
SPIN
MAGNETIZATION
NEUTRON DIFFRACTION
THEORETICAL DATA