Suppression of exchange bias by ion irradiation

TLDR

Exchange bias in ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic sandwich structures depends on interface exchange, ferromagnetic layer thickness, and interface structure. The study explores how He‑ion irradiation could enable nanoscale magnetic patterning by controlling exchange bias. Irradiation with 10–35 kV He ions at doses of 10¹⁴–10¹⁷ ions cm⁻² can reduce or fully suppress the exchange‑bias field.

Abstract

The exchange bias effect in ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic sandwich structures is generally believed to be sensitive on the interface exchange interaction, the magnetization, and the thickness of the ferromagnetic layer. Also the interface structure plays a crucial role. We show that, by irradiating samples with He ions, we can manipulate the exchange bias field in a controlled manner. Depending on the dose (1014–1017 ions/cm2) and the acceleration voltage (10–35 kV) of the ions, the shift of the hysteresis can be reduced or even fully suppressed. Potential applications of this effect for magnetic patterning on the nanoscale will be discussed.