Investigation of exchange bias in 0.1MFe2O4/0.9BiFeO3 (M=Co, Cu, Ni) nanocomposite

The 0.1MFe₂O₄/0.9BiFeO₃ (M=Co, Cu, Ni) nanocomposite samples were synthesized by the sol-gel method. Phase composition analysis was carried out, which showed that these bulk samples were composed of a ferrimagnetic MFe₂O₄ (M=Co, Cu, Ni) and a ferroelectric antiferromagnet (FEAF) BiFeO₃ phases, respectively. The magnetic properties of all the samples were investigated by measuring their magnetization as a function of temperature and magnetic field. These results indicated that the magnetic hysteresis loops of 0.1CuFe₂O₄/0.9BiFeO₃ sample sintered in air atmosphere at 550 °C for 3 h exhibited a negative shift and an enhanced coercivity at low temperature ascribed to strong exchange coupling between the BiFeO₃ and CuFe₂O₄ grains. However, there were no magnetic hysteresis loops in both the 0.1CoFe₂O₄/0.9BiFeO₃ sample and the 0.1NiFe₂O₄/0.9BiFeO₃ sample. In view of these results, we tend to think the CuFe₂O₄/BiFeO₃ nanocomposite system may be a useful multifunctional material.     

Exchange bias of mu-metal thin films

The exchange bias of the soft ferromagnet mu-metal, _{Ni77Fe14Cu5Mo4}${\mathrm{Ni}}_{77}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{14}{\mathrm{Cu}}_5{\mathrm{Mo}}_4$, with the metallic antiferromagnet _Fe50Mn50${\mathrm{Fe}}_{50}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{50}$ has been studied as a function of ferromagnet thickness and buffer layer material. Mu-metal exhibits classic exchange bias behavior: the exchange bias (_HEB)$(H_{\mathit{EB}})$ and coercive fields scale inversely with the ferromagnet's thickness, with H_EB varying as the cosine of the in-plane applied field angle. Ta buffers, rather than Cu, allow the mu-metal to retain more of its soft magnetic character while exhibiting exchange bias. The ability to preserve soft ferromagnetic behavior in an exchange biased heterostructure may be useful for low field sensing and other device applications.     

Exchange bias in bulk Ni-Mn-In-based Heusler alloys

The crystal structure and exchange bias of the bulk Heusler alloys Ni₅₀Mn_50−xIn_x with 14.5?x?15.2 have been investigated using X-ray diffraction and magnetization measurements, respectively. Magnetic measurements were performed with SQUID magnetometry after samples were zero-field cooled and field cooled (FC) in positive magnetic fields up to H=50 kOe, from a temperature T=380 K. Three temperatures of the phase transitions, T₁<T_M<T_C, and a shift of the FC (50 kOe) magnetic hysteresis loops up to 120 Oe at 5 K have been detected for all samples. The exchange bias field (H_E) was almost constant for intermediate In concentrations 14.8<x<15.2, and sharply decreased to about 20 Oe on the borders of this concentration interval (x?14.5; 15.2?x). The changes of H_E have been related to changes in the ratio of T₁ to T_M: the overlapping of transitions at T₁ and T_M (for x=14.8, and 15.2) results in a decrease in H_E.     

Annealing effect of NiO/Co90Fe10 thin films: From bilayer to nanocomposite

Exchange-biased bilayers are widely used in the pinned layers of spintronic devices. While magnetic field annealing (MFA) was routinely engaged during the fabrication of these devices, the annealing effect of NiO/CoFe bilayers is not yet reported. In this paper, the transition from NiO/Co₉₀Fe₁₀ bilayer to nanocomposite single layer was observed through rapid thermal annealing at different temperatures under magnetic field. The as-deposited and low-temperature (<623 K) annealed samples had rock salt (NiO) and face center cubic (Co₉₀Fe₁₀) structures. On the other hand, annealing at 623 K and 673 K resulted in nanocomposite single layers composed of oxides (matrix) and alloys (precipitate), due to grain boundary oxidization and strong interdiffusion in the NiO/CoFe and CoFe/SiO₂ interfaces. The structural transition was accompanied by the reduction of grain sizes, re-ordering of crystallites, incensement of roughness, and reduction of Ni²⁺. When measured at room temperature, the bilayers exhibited soft magnetism with small room-temperature coercivity. The nanocomposite layers exhibited an enhanced coercivity due to the changes in the magnetization reversal mechanism by pinning from the oxides. At 10 K, the increased antiferromagnetic anisotropy in the NiO resulted in enhanced coercivity and exchange bias in the bilayers. The nanocomposites exhibited weaker exchange bias compared with the bilayers due to frustrated interfacial spins. This investigation on how the magnetic properties of exchange-biased bilayers are influenced by magnetic RTA provides insights into controlling the magnetization reversal properties of thin films.     

Exchange bias in nearly perpendicularly coupled ferromagnetic/ferromagnetic system

Exchange bias phenomena appear not only in ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic systems but also in ferromagnetic/ferromagnetic systems in which two layers are nearly perpendicularly coupled. We investigated the origin of the symmetry-breaking mechanism and the relationship between the exchange bias and the system's energy parameters. We compared the results of computational Monte Carlo simulations with those of theoretical model calculation. We found that the exchange bias exhibited nonlinear behaviors, including sign reversal and singularities. These complicated behaviors were caused by two distinct magnetization processes depending on the interlayer coupling strength. The exchange bias reached a maximum at the transition between the two magnetization processes.     

Exchange bias and magnetothermal properties in Fe@Mn nanocomposites

We have studied the Exchange Bias (EB) effect in nanocomposite films consisting of Fe nanoparticles (mean size ∼1.9 nm) embedded in an antiferromagnetic Mn matrix. They were produced by co-deposition through a gas aggregation cluster source and molecular beam epitaxy and have different Fe volume filling fractions (2.2% and 24.8%). The exchange field, higher in the sample with higher Fe concentration (at T=5 K, H_ex∼460 Oe for 24.8% and ∼310 Oe for 2.2% ), in both the samples decreases with increasing T, finally disappearing at T∼40 K. The EB properties have been studied in conjunction with results on the thermal dependence of the magnetic coercivity, zero-field-cooled and field-cooled magnetization and thermoremanence. The different Fe content strongly affects the magnetothermal properties, featuring superparamagnetic relaxation in the diluted sample and a reentrant ferromagnet-type transition in the concentrated one. Hence, the EB properties of the two samples have been discussed in consideration of such peculiarities of the magnetic behavior and highlighting the role of the Mn matrix.     

Exchange bias of patterned systems: Model and numerical simulation

The magnitude of the exchange bias field of patterned systems exhibits a notable increase in relation to the usual bilayer systems, where a continuous ferromagnetic film is deposited on an antiferromagnet insulator. Here we develop a model, and implement a Monte Carlo calculation, to interpret the experimental observations which is consistent with experimental results, on the basis of assuming a small fraction of spins pinned ferromagnetically in the antiferromagnetic interface layer.     

Exchange bias and training effect in Ni/Ag-doped NiO bilayers

A series of polycrystalline Ag-doped Ni_1−xAg_xO/Ni bilayers with x up to 0.2 were prepared by magnetron sputtering. X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses reveal that Ag doping significantly reduces the mean NiO grain size and leads to the appearance of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of the Ag-doped NiO films. As x increases, the exchange bias field and coercivity at room temperature decrease as a consequence of the reduced thermal stability of smaller NiO grains and the screening effect resulting from the interfacial Ag nanoparticles. At lower temperatures, a slight enhancement of the exchange bias field is observed in the Ag-doped sample, indicating that the Ag doping increases the uncompensated NiO spin density. In addition, our studies find that the training effect of the Ag-doped sample can be well described by a spin configurational relaxation model, regardless of the presence of Ag nanopartiles at the interface.     

Exchange bias effect in multiferroic Eu0.75Y0.25MnO3

The exchange bias phenomenon has been investigated in multiferroic Eu_0.75Y_0.25MnO₃. The material shows a weak ferromagnetism with cone spin configuration induced by external magnetic field below 30 K. Consequently, the electric polarization coming from the cycloid spin order below 30 K can be suppressed by external magnetic fields. The magnetic hysteresis loops after cooling in a magnetic field exhibit characteristics of exchange bias below the spin glassy freezing temperature (T_g)∼16 K. The exchange bias field, coercivity field, and remanent magnetization increase with increasing cooling magnetic field. The exchange bias effect is ascribed to the frozen uncompensated spins at the antiferromagnetism/weak ferromagnetism interfaces in the spin-glass like phase.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of reactive magnetron sputtered Ti-B-C-N nanocomposite coatings

Ti-B-C-N nanocomposite coatings with different C contents were deposited on Si (1 0 0) and high speed steel (W18Cr4V) substrates by closed-field unbalanced reactive magnetron sputtering in the mixture of argon, nitrogen and acetylene gases. These films were subsequently characterized ex situ in terms of their microstructures by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), their nanohardness/elastic modulus and facture toughness by nano-indention and Vickers indentation methods, and their surface morphology using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results indicated that, in the studied composition range, the deposited Ti-B-C-N coatings exhibit nanocomposite based on TiN nanocrystallites. When the C₂H₂ flow rate is small, incorporation of small amount of C promoted crystallization of Ti-B-C-N nanocomposite coatings, which resulted in increase of nano-grain size and mechanical properties of coatings. A maximum grain size of about 8 nm was found at a C₂H₂ flux rate of 1 sccm. However, the hardness, elastic modulus and fracture toughness values were not consistent with the grain size. They got to their maximum of 35.7 GPa, 363.1 GPa and 2.46 MPa m^1/2, respectively, at a C₂H₂ flow rate of 2 sccm (corresponding to about 6 nm in nano-grain size). Further increase of C content dramatically decreased not only grain size but also the mechanical properties of coatings. The presently deposited Ti-B-C-N coatings had a smooth surface. The roughness value was consistent with that of grain size.     

Exchange bias behavior and magnetocaloric effect in Ni2In-type Mn7Sn4 alloy

In this work, the exchange bias behavior and magnetocaloric effect have been studied in Mn₇Sn₄ alloy. The X-ray powder diffraction pattern recorded at room temperature indicates that the sample crystallizes in a single phase with Ni₂In-type hexagonal structure (space group $P{6}_3/\mathit{mmc}$). The maximum magnetic entropy change value across paramagnetic/ferrimagnetic transition is about 3.3 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ under the magnetic field change of ${\mu }_0\mathrm{\Delta }H=0\text{-}5\text{T}$. With further cooling, the reentrant spin-glass-like state is obtained below 150 K, for which the exchange bias effect has been observed. The exchange bias field is ∼7.8 mT and ∼6.7 mT at $T=10\text{K}$ when the cooling field is ${\mu }_0{H}_{\mathrm{CF}}=0.1\text{T}$ and 0.5 T, respectively. The magnetic behavior and the origin of exchange bias in Mn₇Sn₄ are discussed.     

Exchange bias and spin valve systems with Fe–Mn antiferromagnetic pinning layers, obtained by the thermo-ionic vacuum arc method

Exchange bias and spin valve systems with Fe–Mn antiferromagnetic layers of different Fe concentrations were obtained by the thermo-ionic vacuum arc method. The adherence of the multilayer system to the Si substrate depends on the Fe–Mn composition. The overall roughness depends on the growing order of the antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic layers. Very low blocking temperatures for exchange bias were observed for the considered compositions of the Fe–Mn layer. The coercive forces of both the pinned and the free layers of spin valve structures can be considerably modified along a large set of samples simultaneously prepared.     

Two interface effects: Exchange bias and magnetic proximity

Exchange bias and magnetic proximity effects are two novel phenomena that are in the limelight because of their fundamental and technological importance. Since both phenomena are interfacial in origin, we review these together. In the first part of this review, we have discussed the basics of these two phenomena. Subsequently, we have described numerous experimental examples involving a variety of composite magnetic materials and heterostructures. The recent theoretical models of these two interface phenomena have also been described. Finally, we have shed light on an obvious question: can one expect both these phenomena to occur together in any magnetically coupled system? We conclude that one can enhance the operating temperature of an exchange biased device by exploiting the magnetic proximity effect.     

On amorphization and nanocomposite formation in Al-Ni-Ti system by mechanical alloying

Amorphous structure generated by mechanical alloying (MA) is often used as a precursor for generating nanocomposites through controlled devitrification. The amorphous forming composition range of ternary Al-Ni-Ti system was calculated using the extended Miedema’s semi-empirical model. Eleven compositions of this system showing a wide range of negative enthalpy of mixing (−ΔH ^mix) and amorphization (−ΔH ^amor) of the constituent elements were selected for synthesis by MA. The Al₈₈Ni₆Ti₆ alloy with relatively small negative ΔH ^mix (−0.4 kJ/mol) and ΔH^amor (−14.8 kJ/mol) became completely amorphous after 120 h of milling, which is possibly the first report of complete amorphization of an Al-based rare earth element free Al-TM-TM system (TM = transition metal) by MA. The alloys of other compositions selected had much more negative ΔH^mix and H^amor; but they yielded either nanocomposites of partial amorphous and crystalline structure or no amorphous phase at all in the as-milled condition, evidencing a high degree of stability of the intermetallic phases under the MA environment. Hence, the negative ΔH ^mix and ΔH ^amor are not so reliable for predicting the amorphization in the present system by MA     

Long-range exchange bias through a metal spacer

We have theoretically analyzed the long-range exchange bias between a ferromagnet and an antiferromagnet separated by a nonmagnetic metal spacer. The Fermi–Dirac distribution was included in the Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida interaction to study the thermal effects of the conduction electrons, and thus to study the temperature effects and thickness dependence in the trilayer structure. The experimentally observed oscillatory exchange bias through the metal spacer is in good agreement with the calculated results.     

Exchange bias behavior in Ni50.0Mn35.5 In14.5 ribbons annealed at different temperatures

Heusler alloy Ni_50.0Mn_35.5In_14.5 ribbons were prepared by melt-spinning technique. Several short time annealings were carried out in order to enhance the exchange bias effect in this alloy ribbon. The magnetic transition temperature increases with the annealing, compared to the as-spun sample, however no significant differences in respective Curie temperatures were observed for austenite and martensite phases in such annealed samples. Exchange bias effect is observed at low temperatures for all samples and practically vanishes at 60 K for the as-spun sample, whereas for the annealed ribbons it vanishes at 100 K.     

Exchange bias in ferromagnet/antiferromagnet bilayers

Since the exchange bias （EB） effect was discovered in the Co/CoO core-shell nanoparticles, it has been extensively studied in various ferromagnet （FM）/antiferromagnet （AFM） bilayers due to its crucial role in spintronics devices. In this article, we review the investigation of the EB in our research group. First, we outline basic features of the EB, including the effects of the constituent layer thickness, the microstructure and magnetization of the FM layers, and we also discuss asymmetric magnetization reversal process in wedged-FM/AFM bilayers. Secondly, we discuss the mechanisms of the positive EB and the perpendicular EB. Thirdly, we demonstrate the hysteretic behavior of the angular dependence of the EB and analyze the EB training effect. Finally, we discuss the roles of the rotatable anisotropy in the two phenomena.     

Polarized current changes the exchange bias in a current-in-plane spin valve

A spin-polarized current changes the strength and direction of the exchange bias in spin valves with a current-in-plane geometry. The exchange bias can be manipulated and systematically changed by applying current pulses. The changes are nonmonotonic and asymmetric with respect to the directions of the applied field and current pulses. For different current pulses, different exchange-bias fields can be achieved in the same sample. Furthermore, for samples with different exchange bias, the bias field exhibits a dependence on the applied pulse. Since the strength of exchange bias is highly correlated to the micromagnetic state distribution of the antiferromagnet, we explain our observations by the spin torque exerted on the interfacial antiferromagnetic moments, excluding Joule heating and training effects.     

Cooling-field dependence of exchange bias in Mg-diluted Ni1−xMgxO/Ni granular systems

The exchange-bias (EB) properties of Mg-diluted Ni_1−xMg_xO/Ni (0?x?0.3) granular systems have been investigated. Magnetic dilution with Mg greatly affects the EB field and the coercivity. The temperature dependence of the EB field and the coercivity can be explained in terms of formation of domain states. The value of the EB field increases and shows a maximum value with increasing cooling field, which can be explained by the competition between the field-dependent Zeeman energy and the exchange interaction at the interface.     

The effects of Co-metal clusters on exchange bias for Co-doped NiO/FeNi bilayers

Co-doped NiO inhomogeneous films were synthesized by sputtering metallic Co chips and NiO together and the exchange bias of bilayers Co-doped NiO/FeNi was investigated. When Co content was up to 25.2%, the exchange bias field H_E at the room temperature increased to the maximum which was about three times compared to the undoped-bilayers. With further increase of Co content, the exchange bias field H_E and blocking temperature T_B decreased. Analysis suggests that the configuration of nanometer-sized Co-metal clusters enchased into NiO matrix played an important role in the change of magnetic behavior for the bilayers.