Abstract
It is commonly assumed that in uncompensated FM/AF interfaces, the easy axes of antiferromagnetic grains are aligned toward the magnetic field direction applied during the film growth. However, due to several intrinsic and extrinsic factors, these easy axes can be aligned away from the unidirectional axis. In this context, the aim of this work is to study the relationship between the easy axes distribution (EAD) and thickness of both the ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AF) layers in Co/IrMn bilayer systems. A phenomenological model for the free energy of the system that takes into account a domain wall formation in the AF layer and a Gaussian-type distribution of their easy axes is used. Thus, we simulate and fit the magnetization curves and get several magnetic parameters like rotatable anisotropy field, exchange bias field, coercivity and magnetic anisotropy. Our results show that when the AF thickness is increased, the width of the easy-axis distribution also increases following a power-law relationship. However, no correlation is observed when the FM thickness is varied. Furthermore, considering an easy-axis distribution we observe a significant reduction in coercivity as well as a slight decrease of the exchange bias field.
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.