Uncompensated moments in the MnPd/Fe exchange bias system.
The element-specific magnetic structure of an epitaxially grown Mn_52Pd_48/Fe bilayer showing exchange bias was investigated with atomic-layer depth sensitivity at the antiferromagnet/ferromagnet interface by soft-x-ray magnetic circular dichroism and magnetic reflectivity. A complex magnetic interfacial configuration, consisting of a 2-monolayer-thick induced ferromagnetic region, and pinned uncompensated Mn moments that reach far deeper (approximately 13 A), both in the antiferromagnet, were found. For the latter, a direct relationship with the magnitude of the exchange bias is verified by similar measurements perpendicular to the field cooling direction.
Max-Planck-Institut für Metallforschung, Heisenbergstrasse 3, Stuttgart, Germany. brueck@mf.mpg.de
Sebastian
S
Brück
Gisela
G
Schütz
Eberhard
E
Goering
Xiaosong
X
Ji
Kannan M
KM
Krishnan