Electrodeposited FeMn/Ni bilayers from sulfate electrolytes

Abstract

Ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic bilayers are used in a number of spintronics devices. With the growth of this area of research and development, as well as its commercial use, the availability of more methods of production is desired. Electroplating may take an important role in this context similar to the one it plays in conventional microelectronics. In the present work, FeMn/Ni bilayer films were electrodeposited from sulfate electrolytes. Copper electrodes were used as substrates in order to induce the growth of the γ-FeMn phase. The samples were potentiostatically deposited and the composition of the Fe–Mn layer depends on the applied potential during the deposition. The structural and magnetic characteristics of the obtained films were investigated. The set of results shows the Fe–Mn layer presents this antiferromagnetic phase which leads to exchange bias at room temperature and at lower temperatures. The bias fields are small, but, given the simplicity of the method, the results show its potentiality to be employed for the production of spin valves as well as other devices.