Tuning the direction of exchange bias in ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic bilayer by angular-dependent spin-polarized current

Journal Article · Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2012 · Journal of Applied Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4757906· OSTI ID:22089479

Xiaoli, Tang; Hua, Su; Huaiwu, Zhang; Yulan, Jing; Zhiyong, Zhong ^[1]

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1. State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054 (China)

The angular dependence of an external magnetic field applied with an in-plane alternating pulse that induces a new direction of exchange bias (EB) is observed in an NiFe/IrMn bilayer. Depending strongly on the direction of the external field, EB field gradually orients along the external field with the increase in current pulse, and the new direction of EB is finally established. Furthermore, the new direction of EB can also be induced along the external field at once when the applied pulse is larger than the critical current. Because the strength and direction of the EB is highly correlated with the micromagnetic state distribution of the antiferromagnet, the observations are explained by the spin torque exerted on the antiferromagnetic moments and provide evidence for the prediction of spin transfer and current-induced switching in antiferromagnets.

• OSTI ID: 22089479
• Journal Information: Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 112, Issue 7; Other Information: (c) 2012 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0021-8979
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
ANTIFERROMAGNETIC MATERIALS
ANTIFERROMAGNETISM
CRITICAL CURRENT
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTRONS
EXCHANGE INTERACTIONS
FERROMAGNETIC MATERIALS
INTERFACES
IRIDIUM ALLOYS
IRON ALLOYS
LAYERS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MANGANESE ALLOYS
NICKEL ALLOYS
SPIN ORIENTATION