Coupling between two ferromagnetic layers separated by an antiferromagnetic layer

Abstract

We have investigated the interlayer exchange coupling between two ferromagnetic (FM) layers mediated by an antiferromagnetic (AF) layer. We have extended Slonczewski's ``proximity magnetism'' idea in the trilayers by including an AF magnetocrystalline anisotropy and considering interfacial exchange coupling that is influenced by the interface roughness. Using a continuum model we obtain the rotation behavior of the AF moments during FM magnetization reversal. The results are discussed within the context of the ``proximity magnetism'' model. The FM magnetization behavior and the interlayer coupling are strongly dependent on the interfacial exchange coupling and the AF thickness, compared with the AF domain wall energy ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{W}$ and the wall length ${\ensuremath{\delta}}_{W},$ respectively. A study of the exchange anisotropy in FM/AF bilayers is also presented.