Interfacial spin clusters in CoFe/IrMn exchange bias multilayers
We propose to investigate the magnetic depth profile of an exchange biased (EB) CoFe/IrMn multilayer using polarized neutron reflectometry (PNR). The York Model developed by us accounts for the general behaviour of the effect in polycrystalline thin films by the thermal stability of bulk AF grains. Nevertheless, details of coercivity and training effects are not understood and require further investigation to control the technologically highly important exchange bias. Our recent work suggests interfacial spin clusters to be responsible for the coercivity enhancement. These clusters can be seen as fine particle systems with an anisotropy transmitted by the antiferromagnet. The size of the clusters is determined by the AF grain size. Using PNR we will investigate the presence and field reversal of these interfacial spin clusters in dependence on AF grain size and anisotropy, which will determine the absolute magnitude of the contained magnetization. This study will therefore lead to a detailed understanding of the cause of coercivity enhancements and training effects.
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SAERBECK Thomas; O GRADY Kevin and G. Vallejo-Fernandez. (2015). Interfacial spin clusters in CoFe/IrMn exchange bias multilayers. Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) doi:10.5291/ILL-DATA.5-54-196
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