Abstract
The effects of a chemical alteration of the antiferromagnet surface in the exchange-biased ultrathin epitaxial antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic bilayer Mn/Co/Cu(001) have been investigated. The formation of a nanometer-thick paramagnetic oxide at the surface of the Mn layer was induced through the controlled exposure to oxygen. Although the buried Mn/Co interface was not affected by the oxidation, strong changes of the exchange-bias properties of the system, which cannot be accounted for by the mere reduction of the antiferromagnetic Mn thickness, were observed. We propose that the produced surface modification affects the magnetic configuration of the near-surface region and the domain structure in the whole antiferromagnet layer which, in turn, influences the pinned uncompensated spin density responsible for the exchange bias.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
