Coercivity and interfacial spin clusters in exchange bias systems

Robert Carpenter, Nicholas Charles Cramp, Gonzalo Vallejo Fernandez, Kevin Dermot O'Grady

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this paper the current state of knowledge of the magnetic structure interfaces in exchange biased systems are briefly reviewed. A conceptual model explaining the interface in terms of spin clusters that behave in a similar manner to fine particles displaying superparamagnetism is described. To test this concept IrMn/CoFe based exchange biased polycrystalline samples of median grain diameter 7.1, 7.2 and 7.8nm were sputtered and the temperature dependence of the coupling measured. Small changes in the AF grain diameter are reflected by large volume changes
in the spin clusters and consequently the temperature dependence. In particular the variation of the coercivity with temperature affects the stability of the magnetization of the spin clusters.
Original languageEnglish
Article number1402R005
Pages (from-to)61-65
JournalJournal of the Magnetics Society of Japan
Volume38
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

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