Exchange bias in La-deficient cluster-glass compound La0.87Mn0.7Fe0.3O3

Abstract

We observe the signature of the exchange bias (EB) effect in a La-deficient cluster-glass compound La0.87Mn0.7Fe0.3O3, which is confirmed by the systematic shift of hysteresis loops at 5 K while the sample was cooled in the presence of an external magnetic field. The cooling field has a strong influence on the EB effect. The shift of the hysteresis loop at 5 K increases with the cooling field below ∼2.0 kOe and then decreases with a further increase in the cooling field. The cooling field dependence of the EB field at 5 K was successfully analysed by a simplified exchange interaction model, which indicates the single domain character of the ferromagnetic (FM) clusters. The average size of the FM cluster is ≈63 Å. The EB effect is suggested due to the cluster-glass state of the compound.