Small Exchange Bias Research Articles

Tuning In-Plane Magnetic Anisotropy and Interfacial Exchange Coupling in Epitaxial La2/3Sr1/3CoO3/La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 Heterostructures.

Controlling the in-plane magnetocrystalline anisotropy and interfacial exchange coupling between ferromagnetic (FM) layers plays a key role in next-generation spintronic and magnetic memory devices. In this work, we explored the effect of tuning the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of La2/3Sr1/3CoO3 (LSCO) and La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 (LSMO) layers and the corresponding effect on interfacial exchange coupling by adjusting the thickness of the LSCO layer (tLSCO). The epitaxial LSCO/LSMO bilayers were grown on (110)o-oriented NdGaO3 (NGO) substrates with a fixed LSMO (top layer) thickness of 6 nm and LSCO (bottom layer) thicknesses varying from 1 to 10 nm. Despite the small difference (∼0.2%) in lattice mismatch between the two in-plane directions, [001]o and [11̅0]o, a pronounced in-plane magnetic anisotropy was observed. Soft X-ray magnetic circular dichroism hysteresis loops revealed that for tLSCO ≤ 4 nm, the easy axes for both LSCO and LSMO layers were along the [001]o direction, and the LSCO layer was characterized by magnetically active Co2+ ions that strongly coupled to the LSMO layer. No exchange bias effect was observed in the hysteresis loops. In contrast, along the [11̅0]o direction, the LSCO and LSMO layers displayed a small difference in their coercivity values, and a small exchange bias shift was observed. As tLSCO increased above 4 nm, the easy axis for the LSCO layer remained along the [100]o direction, but it gradually rotated to the [11̅0]o direction for the LSMO layer, resulting in a large negative exchange bias shift. Therefore, we provide a way to control the magnetocrystalline anisotropy and exchange bias by tuning the interfacial exchange coupling between the two FM layers.

Effects of intrinsic and extrinsic multi-phased lattice structure and chemical heterogeneity on the control of ferrimagnetic properties in Co rich spinel ferrite

The present work reports the structural and magnetic properties in spinel ferrite composition around Co2.25Fe0.75O4 as the function of self-composite structure (ratio of two spinel phase components), coexisting impurity phase of hematite, and non-stoichiometric chemical composition. The neutron diffraction patterns have been used to determine lattice structure and magnetic moment. The neutron depolarization experiments have indicated spin reorientation at lower temperature for the single phased sample. The magnetization measurements confirmed the blocking of magnetic domains, possible magnetic spin compensation and magnetic exchange bias effect. The sample coexisting with small hematite phase has shown the maximum coercivity (∼14.682 kOe), remanent magnetization (∼1.4657 μB) and saturation magnetization (∼2.027 μB) with small exchange bias shift (- 71 Oe) at 5 K. The single phased sample exhibited the lowest magnetic moment (∼0.3775 μB) with maximum exchange bias shift (- 543 Oe) and the highest cooling-field induced enhancement of coercivity (3691 Oe). The experiments confirmed a large scope of tuning the ferrimagnetic parameters by controlling the phase fraction and interfacial phases in Co rich spinel ferrite.

Flexible Manipulation of Operating Range in Giant Magnetoresistance Unipolar Switch Based on Double-Pinned Spin Valve

Giant magnetoresistance (GMR) magnetic switches have been widely investigated due to their attractive advantages such as good stability, small size, large saturation field, and high integration. However, in currently available commercial GMR unipolar switches, the operation and release points are limited to a narrow range. In this work, a modified double pinned spin valve (SV) structure is proposed to achieve a wide operating range and easy modulation of magnetic unipolar switches. In particular, a modified SV structure of Ta/NiFe/IrMn/CoFe/Ru/CoFe/Cu/CoFe/IrMn/Ta was chosen, where the large and small exchange bias fields were obtained from the bottom synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) structure and the top CoFe/IrMn layers, respectively. Accordingly, the operating range can be easily modulated by adjusting the thickness of top pinned CoFe layer. It is worthwhile to note that the controllable range exceeds 100Oe, which is much larger than that exhibited by current commercialized SV structure. Furthermore, in the patterned sample having the modified double pinned SV, the operation and release points are independent of length and width. The reason is attributed to the exchange bias field, which weakens the impact of shape anisotropy. In addition, this result also facilitates the simplification of the design process. That is to say, the proposed modified double pinned SV offers a broad application region for GMR magnetic unipolar switches and reveals a new paradigm for the development of next-generation magnetic sensors.

Shape dependent multiferroic behavior in Bi2Fe4O9 nanoparticles

Ferroelectric and magnetic properties are investigated for Bi2Fe4O9 nanoparticles with different shapes (cuboid and sphere-like) synthesized by hydrothermal and sol-gel method. The magnetic study reveals that coercivity, Neel temperature and remanent magnetization strongly depend on shape of the particle. The nanoparticle with sphere-like shape exhibits magnetization curve of antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering with ferromagnetic (FM) component. As the particle shape changes from sphere-like to cuboid, the AFM component is dominating over the ferromagnetic component. A small exchange bias is also observed at low temperature in both the sphere-like and cuboid nanoparticle. The coercivity, remanent magnetization and Neel temperature of sphere-like nanoparticle is greater than cuboid nanoparticle. Ferroelectric measurement shows the remanent polarization of cuboid is greater than sphere-like nanoparticle but the coercivity is almost same. This Bi2Fe4O9 nanoparticle shows a small change in polarization under magnetic field. The polarization value decreases with magnetic field increases. The magnetoelectric coupling-measured by change of remanent polarization under magnetic field are found to be greater in Bi2Fe4O9 sphere-like nanoparticles. These shape dependent magnetic and ferroelectric properties are coming because of shape anisotropy.

Phase Transition-Induced Modulation of Exchange Bias in Fe/BiFeO3 Bilayers

Many of researches indicate that epitaxial BiFeO3 (BFO) films deposited on LaAlO3 (LAO) substrate undergo strain-driven phase transition from a tetragonal-like phase (T-BFO) to a rhombohedral-like phase (R-BFO), and a mixed phase (M-BFO) that T-BFO coexists with R-BFO forms in the phase transition process. It is necessary to explore how BFO phase transition affects the exchange bias in ferromagnet (FM)/BFO bilayers. In our studies, aforementioned BFO phase transition is accomplished by varying BFO films thickness. Using 5 nm-thick Fe as ferromagnetic layer deposited on 9–354 nm-thick BFO as antiferromagnetic layer, the exchange bias in Fe/BFO bilayers exhibits that Fe/M-BFO bilayers shows smaller exchange bias than Fe/T-BFO and Fe/R-BFO bilayers. We ascribed the effect of the BFO phase transition on the exchange bias to the domain walls caused by the exchange interaction between T-BFO and R-BFO across their boundaries. Additionally, for the same reason, the coercivity also exhibits the same variation trend as the exchange bias does. Our studies will help to promote the application of controlling the ferromagnetic magnetization by the electric field.

Controlling domain configuration of the sensing layer for magnetic tunneling junctions by using exchange bias

The control of magnetic domain formation and fluctuations in the sensing layer is important to progress for low noise in magnetic tunnel junction sensors. We studied the effect of exchange bias on the domain structure in micro-patterned Permalloy (Py: Ni80Fe20) sensing layer. We deposited single Py films, and Pt48Mn52/Py films, where the latter showed exchange bias. By controlling the thickness of Py, Pt48Mn52 (15nm)/Py (t=235 nm) showed a small coercivity and exchange bias of 7 Oe. After micro-fabrication into circular pillars 80 µm in diameter, we measured the domain structure by Magneto Optical Kerr Effect (MOKE) microscopy. MOKE images showed that single Py pillars have a simple closure domain, where the domain wall at the center moved with the applied field. The exchange-biased Py pillars exhibited a more complicated structure, but with fixed domains at the center region due to the exchange bias overcoming the magnetostatic energy. The uniform rotation of magnetization at the center of the sample is promising for decreasing the domain hopping magnetic noise.

Perpendicular exchange bias at room temperature in (Pt/Co) multilayers coupled to NiO antiferromagnetic layer

(Pt/Co) multilayers coupled to NiO exhibit a small exchange bias field HEB which is consistent with a NiO blocking temperature TB of about the room temperature. Direct deposition of nickel oxide on cobalt increased coercivity and induced a weak exchange bias field. The reversal process has also been affected. It changes from a reversal clearly governed by wall propagation initiated by only a few domains to a reversal dominated by wall propagation that is initiated by a larger number of domains leading to an important role in the nucleation. The domains are larger in the sample without NiO. The insertion of a platinum layer with thickness range 0–0.6 nm between Co and NiO acts on the coercivity and the exchange field. The optimal values of HC and HEB are observed for tpt = 0.2 nm. We found that the magnetization reversal process changes from a wall propagation-dominated process for tpt ≤0.2 nm to a domain nucleation dominated process for tpt> 0.2 nm.

Interface spins in polycrystalline FeMn/Fe bilayers with small exchange bias

The magnetic moments at the interface between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic layers play a central role in exchange biased systems, but their behavior is still not completely understood. In this work, the FeMn/Fe interface in polycrystalline thin films has been studied using conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy (CEMS), magneto-optic Kerr effect (MOKE) and micromagnetic simulations. Samples were prepared with 57Fe layers at two distinct depths in order to probe the interface and bulk behaviors. At the equilibrium, the interface moments are randomly oriented while the bulk of the Fe layer has an in-plane magnetic anisotropy. Several models for the interface and anisotropies of the layers were used in the simulations of spin configurations and hysteresis loops. From the whole set of simulations, one can conclude the direct analysis of hysteresis curves is not enough to infer whether the interface has a configuration with spins tilted out of the film plane at equilibrium since different choices of parameters provide similar curves. The simulations have also shown the occurrence of spin clusters at the interface is compatible with CEMS and MOKE measurements.

Interfacial exchange interactions and magnetism of Ni2MnAl/Fe bilayers

Based on a multi-scale calculations, combining ab-initio methods with spin dynamics simulations, we perform a detailed study of the magnetic behavior of Ni2MnAl/Fe bilayers. Our simulations show that such a bilayer exhibits a small exchange bias effect when the Ni2MnAl Heusler alloy is in a disordered B2 phase. Additionally, we present an effective way to control the magnetic structure of the Ni2MnAl antiferromagnet, in the pseudo-ordered B2-I as well as the disordered B2 phases, via a spin-flop coupling to the Fe layer.

Three-Dimensional (3-D) Ferromagnetic Network of Mn12 Single-Molecule Magnets: Subtle Environmental Effects and Switching to Antiferromagnetic.

A new member of the Mn12 family of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) has been prepared and found to be the first of this family to give a 3-D ferromagnetic network. [Mn12O12(O2CC6H4-p-F)16(H2O)4] (2) was prepared by carboxylate substitution on the acetate derivative with p-F-benzoic acid and crystallizes as 2·8MeCN in space group I4̅2m with extensive formation of intermolecular C-H···F hydrogen-bonding. The latter leads to a combination of ferromagnetic (F) and antiferromagnetic (AF) interactions and an overall F network that gives a χMT value at low T that is abnormally high for an S = 10 ground state. 2·8MeCN undergoes solvent loss under vacuum to 2, with a decrease in unit-cell volume of 17%, primarily due to a 13% decrease in the c-axis. The χMT vs T plot for 2 indicates a switch to a net AF network. Exposure to air causes hydration to 2·3H2O, a concomitant increase in unit cell volume, and a switch back to a F network. The same conversion of 2·8MeCN to 2·3H2O can also be accomplished in one step rather than two steps, by leaving crystals of the former exposed to air at ambient temperature and pressure for 10 days, giving the same magnetic plots. Interestingly, the desolvation/solvation processes cause Jahn-Teller isomerism to occur, but the ratio of the faster-relaxing isomer to the normal slowly relaxing one does not change monotonically. Single-crystal micro-SQUID studies on 2·8MeCN show the expected magnetization hysteresis loops for a SMM and a small exchange-bias from the intermolecular interactions that is unexpectedly AF. Since the micro-SQUID study only identifies interactions along the easy-axis (z-axis) of the crystal, this is readily rationalized as due to the Jz components of the intermolecular interactions in 2·8MeCN being net AF. The combined results offer useful insights into the degree of sensitivity of the magnetic properties to small environmental perturbations.

Exchange bias and spin glass transition in quaternary MnCuNiSn Heusler alloy

We have systematically investigated the exchange bias (EB) effect and low-temperature magnetic state transition in Mn42Cu6Ni42Sn10 Heusler alloy by means of AC and DC magnetization measurements. Experimental results suggest that the martensitic phase is in the state of superparamagnetic (SPM), following that the particles turn into the ferromagnetic (FM) state at the martensitic Curie temperature, and the moments are frozen as the temperature is below 150K. In addition, EB effect was observed in the phase separated martensitic state, which can achieves about 536Oe under the field of 500Oe after field-cooled (FC) to 10K. First-principle investigations indicate that such a small value is originated from nonmagnetic Cu atoms substitution. The appearance of EB effect can be ascribed to the competition between the FM martensitic phase and spin glass (SG) phase due to the impact of Mn atoms, whereas the nonmagnetic Cu atoms doping would hinder the magnetic aggregation, resulting the small EB value eventually.

Effect of Ti4+ doping on magnetic properties of charge ordered Bi0.3Ca0.7MnO3

The effect of Ti doping in Bi0.3Ca0.7Mn1−xTixO3 (where x = 0.0, 0.015, 0.03, 0.05, 0.08, 0.12 and 0.16) on structural, magnetic and transport properties have been studied. The charge-ordering temperature (TCO) decreases gradually with increasing Ti doping content, and finally disappears completely for x = 0.12. The Neel temperature (TN) also decreases with increasing Ti doping content. A transition to a cluster glass like state is observed at T ⩽ TN. The zero field cooled/field cooled (ZFC/FC) magnetization decreases at high temperature (T > 200 K) with increasing Ti content, whereas an opposite trend is observed at low temperature (T < 200 K). Small exchange bias effect is also observed for x = 0.08 at 10 K. The resistivity increases with increasing Ti doping content. The disorder induced by Ti doping on the Mn site plays a key role in explaining the observed magnetic and electrical properties.

Strain-mediated magnetic and transport properties of epitaxial LuxFe3−xO4 films

Strain mediated structure, magnetic, and transport properties of spinel ferrites were investigated by growing epitaxial LuxFe3−xO4 (LFO, 0≤x≤0.26) films on SrTiO3 and MgO substrates with in-plane compressive and tensile strains, respectively. The lattice parameter of LFO films decreases on SrTiO3 substrates, while increases on MgO substrates with the increasing Lu content. The LFO films on SrTiO3 substrates exhibit larger saturation magnetization and smaller exchange bias and coercive field. Phase shift of anisotropic magnetoresistance is also observed in the LFO films on SrTiO3 substrates. In addition, the nonmagnetic Lu3+ ions in spinel ferrites enhance the spin canting, which further increases the exchange bias and coercive field and strengthens the four-fold symmetry of anisotropic magnetoresistance and the two-fold symmetry of planar Hall effect.

Crystal-Orientation-Modulated Exchange Bias in Orthorhombic-YMnO3/La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 Multiferroic Heterostructures.

The magnetic properties of the all-oxide multiferroic heterostructures composed of orthorhombic YMnO3 (YMO) with E-type antiferromagnetic and double-exchange ferromagnetic (FM) La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 (LSMO) were studied. An orientation-modulated exchange bias effect, which is related to the interfacial Mn-O-Mn bond angle, was discovered. Because of the large bond angle in YMO/LSMO(100) heterostructures, a strong exchange coupling at the interface is formed. This strong exchange coupling sustains an FM phase in YMO at the interface region. The FM phase with strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy contributes to the vertical shift and exchange bias effect in (100) orientation heterostructures. When LSMO (110) and (111) were layered with YMO, the Mn-O-Mn bond angle was reduced, leading to a weakened exchange coupling at the interface, and only a relatively small exchange bias at low temperatures was visible.

Magnetic Domain Control of Exchange Biased Magneto-Electric Thin Film Composites

Magneto-electric composites constitute a promising class of materials for the application as highly sensitive magnetic field sensors. Their compatibility to miniaturization, their passive nature and their large dynamic range are just some of the numerous advantages of these composites compared to alternative magnetic field sensors, as e.g. flux-gates or magneto-resistive sensors. However, the highest sensitivities are observed in the presence of well-defined magnetic bias fields that are of significant disadvantage in terms of miniaturization and noise performance.Self-biased magneto-electric composites, which are fabricated using the exchange bias effect [1], exhibit an increased total anisotropy in comparison to systems without exchange bias. As a consequence, small exchange bias fields are favourable because of a minor reduction of the magneto-electric voltage coefficient. However, weakly biased magneto-electric composites might loose their self-biasing properties and possibly show an increase of discontinuities in magnetization reversal due to the formation of magnetic domains. By a thickness variation of the ferromagnetic layer a maximum voltage coefficient αME ≈ 430 V/cmOe was found for a magnetostrictive multilayer of 3 x (5 nm Ta / 3 nm Cu / 8 nm Mn-Ir / 333 nm Fe-Co-Si-B). Yet, a stable single domain state indicating a well defined magnetization reversal by coherent magnetization rotation was achieved for layer thicknesses up to 100 nm Fe-Co-Si-B with a slightly reduced magneto-electric cofficient of αME ≈ 340 V/cmOe. This slight reduction is overcompensated by the improved control of the magnetic domain pattern that is highly desirable for magnetic field sensors and of special importance when frequency conversion techniques are applied [2].[1] Lage, E., Kirchhof, C., Hrkac, V., Kienle, L., Jahns, R., Knöchel, R., Quandt, E. & Meyners, D. Exchange biasing of magnetoelec¬tric composites. Nature materials 11, 523–9 (2012).[2] Jahns, R., Greve H., Woltermann, E., Quandt, E. & Knöchel, R. Sensitivity enhancement of mag¬netoelectric sensors through frequency-conversion. Sensors and Actuators A: Physical 183, 16-21 (2012).This work was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) as part of the Collaborative Research Center 855 “Magnetoelectric Composites–Future Biomagnetic Interfaces”

Microscopic model for exchange bias from grain-boundary disorder in a ferromagnet/antiferromagnet thin film with a nanocrystalline microstructure

Monte Carlo spin simulations were coupled to a Voronoi microstructure-generator to predict the magnitude and behavior of exchange bias in a ferromagnet/antiferromagnet (AF) thin film bilayer with a nanocrystalline microstructure. Our model accounts for the effects of irregular grain-shapes, finite-sized particles, and the possible presence of local random-fields originating from the antiferromagnet's grain-boundary regions. As the grain-boundary represents a crystal-structure distortion, we model the local effect on the exchange constants in the Gaussian approximation which can cause regions resembling a spin glass confined to an unusual 2D topology. Although an ensemble of completely disconnected AF grains isolated by non-magnetic barriers provides a small exchange bias, the introduction of a spin-glass network at the boundaries causes a four-fold enhancement in the magnitude of the loop-shift. This implies the importance of local grain-boundary behavior in defect-engineered antiferromagnets.

Growth of polycrystalline Heusler alloys for spintronic devices

We have prepared polycrystalline Co2FeSi thin films on a number of seed layers to optimize their structural and magnetic properties. Using a Cr/Ag combined seed layer, films have been produced with extremely low interfacial roughness (<1 nm) and controllable coercivities in the range 12–27 Oe. Such a structure would be suitable for the free layer in a spintronic device. Using a NiCr seed layer and IrMn as an antiferromagnetic layer a small exchange bias of ∼30 Oe has been achieved. However the use of a 0.5 nm Mn layer at the IrMn/Co2FeSi interface increases the exchange bias (Hex) to 375 Oe after annealing. This structure would be suitable for the pinned layer in a spintronic device.

Magnetic domain control and voltage response of exchange biased magnetoelectric composites

Self-biased magnetoelectric composites, which are realized with the exchange bias effect, hold an increased total anisotropy field compared to systems without exchange bias. Thus, small exchange bias fields are favorable because of a minor reduction of magnetic permeability and magneto-electric voltage coefficient. However, weakly biased magnetoelectric composites lose their self-biasing properties and possibly show an increase of discontinuities in magnetization reversal due to the formation of magnetic domains. By a thickness variation of the ferromagnetic layer, a maximum voltage coefficient αME ≈ 430 V/cm Oe was found for a magnetostrictive multilayer of 3 × (5 nm Ta/3 nm Cu/8 nm Mn-Ir/333 nm Fe-Co-Si-B). Yet, a stable single domain state indicating a well defined magnetization reversal by coherent magnetization rotation was achieved for layer thicknesses up to 100 nm Fe-Co-Si-B with αME ≈ 340 V/cm Oe. This slight reduction is overcompensated by the improved control of the magnetic domain pattern which is highly beneficial for magnetic field sensing applications and of special importance, when frequency conversion techniques are applied.

The absence of exchange bias with (001)-oriented tetragonal-like BiFeO3films

Single-phase tetragonal-like BiFeO3 (T-BFO) films with thickness up to 480 nm have been successfully prepared on (001) LaAlO3 substrates using NdAlO3 (NAO) as a buffer layer. The monoclinic distortion increases on increasing the thickness of T-BFO films. Negligible small exchange bias field (HE) (<8 Oe) has been observed in T-BFO/NiFe bilayers. The insertion of a 2-nm thick La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) film between NAO and BFO can keep the structure of single-phase T-BFO. Strongly enhanced HE and coercivity has been observed below 100 K in LSMO/T-BFO bilayer, which has been attributed to the phase separation and coexistence of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic phases in the ultrathin LSMO layer due to the compressive strain exerted by the NAO buffer layer. Our results clearly demonstrate that T-BFO cannot provide an effective exchange bias field on the adjacent ferromagnetic layer, and the possible explanation has been provided.

The ferromagnetic–antiferromagnetic properties of Ni–Cr2O3composite hollow spheres prepared by an in situ reduction method

Considerable efforts have been exerted on the facile synthesis of magnetic composite materials because of their unique properties and potential applications. Especially for ferromagnetic–antiferromagnetic systems, the magnetic exchange bias effect is essential for the development of magneto-electronic switching devices and magnetic storage media. In this research, a facile ethylene glycol in situ reduction strategy has been successfully employed in the preparation of Ni–Cr2O3 composite hollow spheres. X-Ray powder diffraction was used to determine the phase composition. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy was employed to characterize the morphologies of the as-prepared samples. Experiments proved that the volume ratio of ethylene glycol to water played a determinative role in the final morphology of the products. The magnetization vs. temperature results revealed a spin-glass-like behavior with blocking temperature of about 150 K for the as-prepared Ni–Cr2O3 composites. Induced by the coupling between ferromagnetic Ni and antiferromagnetic Cr2O3, a small exchange bias effect could be observed in the magnetic hysteresis loops. At lower temperature, a larger exchange bias field and coercivity are obtained. A high surface area of 145.1 m2 g−1 was obtained for the prepared porous hollow spheres.