Flat magnetic exchange springs as mechanism for additional magnetoresistance in magnetic nanoisland arrays

Process of magnetization and magnetoresistance have been studied in nanoisland bilayer systems of FeNi-Co. Hysteresis loops show characteristic features (steps) most clearly observed in certain orientations of the sample in a magnetic field. To explain these features the concept of flat magnetic exchange spring has been introduced for nanoisland bilayers. It has been proposed that additional magnetoresistance can be the result of spin-dependent scattering of electrons in the area of flat magnetic exchange spring. Magnetoresistance studies of bilayer systems has shown that additional magnetoresistance occurs at the same magnetic fields as steps on hysteresis loops. - Highlights: • Metallic FeNi-Co bilayers are studied. • FeNi and Co layers magnetize independently. • Concept of flat spin spring is proposed. • Additional magnetoresistance occurs in intermediate magnetic fields.