Exchange bias of nanostructured films assembled with Co/CoO core–shell clusters

Abstract

Nanostructured films assembled with Co/CoO core–shell clusters were prepared by low energy cluster beam deposition. The structure and magnetism of the films were investigated. It is shown that core–shell clusters are detected with the average diameter of 6.3nm. And films assembled with clusters present exchange bias effect, which is attributed to the exchange interaction at the interface of Co and CoO layers. The present nanostructured films assembled with Co/CoO core–shell clusters promote its applications in ultrahigh-density magnetic recording, giant magnetoresistance, and spin-electronic devices.