Spin-resolved off -specular neutron scattering from magnetic domains using polarized 3 He gas spin filter

The exchange bias (EB) phenomenon is associated with interfacial coupling between ferromagnetic (F) and antiferromagnetic (AF) layers, which results in an unidirectional magnetic anisotropy. Macroscopically one observes: a shift of the hysteresis loop as the system is cooled in a applied magnetic through the Neel temperature (TNeel) of the AF layer; exchange bias field HEB deviates from zero at the blocking temperature (TB<TNeel) and its absolute value increases as the system is cooled down; coercive field HC increases as well and, sometimes exhibits peak-like dependence close to TB; the magnetization reversal might be different for the ascending and descending part of the hysteresis loop. Several theoretically models have been proposed for describing possible mechanisms of the EB effect. So far the understanding of the coupling at the interface between F and AF is still under debate. (authors)