Abstract
Most of theoretical models describing the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic or anti-ferromagnetic thin films assume that they have uniaxial magneto-crystalline anisotropy. This is a convenient assumption for computational reasons, which also reproduces experimental results with reasonable accuracy. However, many magnetic materials have cubic symmetry with more than one easy axis. In this paper we examine and compare the energy profiles of an anti-ferromagnet with uniaxial and bi-axial magneto-crystalline anisotropy, when it is coupled to a ferromagnetic layer in a well-known exchange bias system. We show that the bi-axial symmetry case introduces an extra energy minimum corresponding to anti-ferromagnetic spins oriented transverse to the easy axis of the ferromagnet. The multiple symmetry of the anti-ferromagnet could be responsible for the irreversible change in the exchange bias systems, known as the “training effect”.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.