https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2011-20808-3
Regular Article
Composition-controlled exchange bias training effect in FeCr/IrMn bilayers
1
Shanghai Key Laboratory of Special Artificial Microstructure
Materials and Technology Physics Department, Tongji University,
Shanghai
200092, P.R.
China
2
Surface Physics Laboratory (National Key Laboratory) and
Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai
200433, P.R.
China
3
Physics Department, The University of York,
York, YO10 5 DD, UK
4
Nancy University, Inst Jean Lamour, 54506
Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy,
France
a e-mail: shizhong@tongji.edu.cn
Received:
3
June
2011
Received in final form:
3
October
2011
Published online:
3
November
2011
For FeCr/IrMn bilayers, the exchange bias training effect and the magnetization reversal mechanism are correlated to each other and depend on the composition of the ferromagnetic layer. For high Fe contents, the asymmetric magnetization reversal is observed. During the training effect, both exchange field and coercivity decrease monotonically, suggesting a type I training effect. For low Fe contents, the domain wall depinning takes place for the two hysteresis loop branches. Only exchange field diminution happens in the training effect. The coercivity almost does not change in the process, corresponding to a type II training effect. It is suggested that the motion of antiferromagnetic spins is modified by the magnetization reversal mechanism in the ferromagnetic layer.
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag, 2011