Angular dependent magnetization reversal in exchange biased bilayers under a modified 'effective field model'

TL;DR

This paper introduces a modified effective field model to accurately describe the angular dependence of magnetization reversal in exchange biased Fe/IrMn bilayers, accounting for multi-step loops and layer thickness effects.

Contribution

A novel modified effective field model is developed to interpret complex magnetization reversal behaviors in exchange biased bilayers, incorporating uniaxial anisotropy effects.

Findings

Multiple multi-step magnetization reversal loops observed.

Two types of angular dependent switching fields identified.

Model accurately describes switching behaviors including anisotropy effects.

Abstract

A modified effective field model was developed to quantitatively interpret the angular dependent magnetization reversal processes in exchange biased Fe/IrMn bilayers. Several kinds of multi-step loops with distinct magnetization reversal routes were observed for the samples measured at various field orientations. Two types of angular dependent switching fields are observed and their transitions are investigated, which are found to be driven by both Fe and IrMn layer thicknesses. Our modified effective field model can nicely describe all the switching field behaviors including the critical effects of the exchange bias induced uniaxial anisotropy on the magnetization reversal processes.