Asymmetric reversal modes in ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic multilayers.

Area of Science:

• Condensed matter physics
• Materials science

Background:

• Exchange bias systems exhibit an experimentally observed asymmetry in reversal modes.
• Understanding this asymmetry is crucial for developing advanced magnetic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the origin of asymmetric reversal modes in exchange bias systems.
• To determine the influence of the antiferromagnet's easy axis orientation on reversal behavior.

Main Methods:

• Numerical investigation using the domain state model.
• Simulation of magnetic reversal processes under varying field angles.

Main Results:

• The angle between the antiferromagnet's easy axis and the applied magnetic field dictates reversal symmetry.
• Asymmetric reversal modes, including nonuniform magnetization, can occur at specific angles.
• A zero perpendicular magnetization can be achieved during asymmetric reversal.

Conclusions:

• The orientation of the antiferromagnetic easy axis is a key factor controlling exchange bias reversal asymmetry.
• The domain state model successfully explains the observed asymmetric reversal phenomena.