Zero-field cooled exchange bias in hexagonal YMnO3 nanoparticles

Abstract

Effect of varying particle size and maximum applied field during initial magnetization (HM) on zero-field cooled (ZFC) exchange bias (EB) in hexagonal YMnO3 nanoparticles prepared by conventional solid state method has been studied. EB phenomenon is observed after ZFC from an unmagnetized state without any remanent magnetization. EB field (Heb) and Vertical shift (ME) were found to vary nonmonotonically with both particle size and HM. Large Heb of 1024 Oe is obtained for the particle size of 55 nm. These features are attributed to the exchange interaction between the compensated antiferromagnetic spins and uncompensated surface spins of the nanoparticles.