Pinned synthetic ferrimagnets with perpendicular anisotropy and tuneable exchange bias

Pinned synthetic ferrimagnets (syFerri) with perpendicular-to-plane magnetic anisotropy, of the form AP1/Ru/AP2/FeMn [where AP1 and AP2 are (Co/Pt) multilayers], have been prepared and characterized. The magnitudes of the exchange bias fields of both AP1 and AP2 can be tuned at room temperature by s...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Sort, Jordi|||0000-0003-1213-3639, Rodmacq, B., Auffret, Stéphane, Dieny, Bernard
Format: article
Publication Date:2003
Country:España
Institution:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repository:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Language:English
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:116248
Online Access:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/116248
https://dx.doi.org/urn:doi:10.1063/1.1606495
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Magnetic anisotropy
Exchange interactions
Multilayers
Magnetic sensors
Magnetic tunnel junctions
Magnetization reversals
Spin valves
Description
Summary:Pinned synthetic ferrimagnets (syFerri) with perpendicular-to-plane magnetic anisotropy, of the form AP1/Ru/AP2/FeMn [where AP1 and AP2 are (Co/Pt) multilayers], have been prepared and characterized. The magnitudes of the exchange bias fields of both AP1 and AP2 can be tuned at room temperature by simply varying the relative number of (Co/Pt) repeats in each multilayer. This effect can be quantitatively interpreted by considering the different energy contributions involved during magnetization reversal. Moreover, from the values of these fields, the characteristic parameters of the system (i.e., coupling strength through the Ru and AP2/FeMn pinning energy), can be evaluated. Interestingly, an extended plateau with a virtually constant magnetization is observed around zero field when the number of Co/Pt repeats in AP1 is equal or larger than in AP2. This is very appealing for field sensor or memories applications using spin valves or tunnel junctions with perpendicular anisotropy, since it offers a large dynamic range over which the magnetic configuration of the syFerri remains stable.