Asymmetric Magnetization Reversal in Exchange-Biased Hysteresis Loops

Journal Article · Mon Apr 24 00:00:00 EDT 2000 · Physical Review Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.84.3986· OSTI ID:20216326

Fitzsimmons, M R; Yashar, P; Leighton, C; Schuller, Ivan K; Nogues, J; Majkrzak, C F; Dura, J A

Polarized neutron reflectometry is used to probe the in-plane projection of the net-magnetization vector M(vector sign) of polycrystalline Fe films exchange coupled to twinned (110) MnF{sub 2} or FeF{sub 2} antiferromagnetic (AF) layers. The magnetization reversal mechanism depends upon the orientation of the cooling field with respect to the twinned microstructure of the AF, and whether the applied field is increased to (or decreased from) a positive saturating field; i.e., the magnetization reversal is asymmetric. The reversal of the sample magnetization from one saturated state to the other occurs via either domain wall motion or magnetization rotation on opposite sides of the same hysteresis loop. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.

• OSTI ID: 20216326
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Vol. 84, Issue 17; Other Information: PBD: 24 Apr 2000; ISSN 0031-9007
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
IRON
MAGNETIZATION
NEUTRON DIFFRACTION
REFLECTION
THIN FILMS
POLYCRYSTALS
MANGANESE FLUORIDES
IRON FLUORIDES
MICROSTRUCTURE
TWINNING
EXCHANGE INTERACTIONS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA