Tuning exchange bias

Abstract

The exchange bias shift of the hysteresis loop, HE, in antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic layer systems can be easily controlled (within certain limits) by cooling in zero field from different magnetization states above the antiferromagnetic Néel temperature, TN. This indicates that for moderate cooling fields, HE is determined by the magnetization state of the ferromagnet at TN, and not by the strength of the cooling field.