Exchange bias studied with polarized neutron reflectivity
The role of Polarized Neutron Reflectivity (PNR) for studying natural and synthetic exchange biased systems is illustrated. For a partially oxidized thin film of Co, cycling of the magnetic field causes a considerable reduction of the bias, which the onset of diffuse neutron scattering shows to be due to the loosening of the ferromagnetic domains. On the other hand, PNR measurements of a model exchange bias junction consisting of an n-layered Fe/Cr antiferromagnetic (AF) superlattice coupled with an m-layered Fe/Cr ferromagnetic (F) superlattice confirm the predicted collinear magnetization in the two superlattices. The two magnetized states of the F (along or opposite to the bias field) differ only in the relative orientation of the F and adjacent AF layer. The possibility of reading clearly the magnetic state at the interface pinpoints the commanding role that PNR is having in solving this intriguing problem.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 751869
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/IPNS/CP-100838; TRN: US0003294
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Hercules X Euro Conference, Grenoble (FR), 04/06/2000--04/09/2000; Other Information: PBD: 5 Jan 2000
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Exchange bias in Fe/Cr double superlattices.
Exchange-bias effect in Fe/Cr(211) double superlattice structures