Journal article
Suppression of exchange bias by ion irradiation
Publication Details
Authors: | Mewes, T.; Lopusnik, R.; Fassbender, J.; Hillebrands, B.; Jung, M.; Engel, D.; Ehresmann, A.; Schmoranzer, H.
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Journal: | Applied Physics Letters |
Journal acronym: | Appl. Phys. Lett.
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Abstract
The exchange biaseffect in ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic sandwich structures is generally believed to be sensitive on the interfaceexchange 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.