Composition-controlled exchange bias training effect in FeCr/IrMn bilayers

For FeCr/IrMn bilayers, the exchange bias training effect and the magnetization reversal mechanism are correlated to each other and depend on the composition of the ferromagnetic layer. For high Fe contents, the asymmetric magnetization reversal is observed. During the training effect, both exchange field and coercivity decrease monotonically, suggesting a type I training effect. For low Fe contents, the domain wall depinning takes place for the two hysteresis loop branches. Only exchange field diminution happens in the training effect. The coercivity almost does not change in the process, corresponding to a type II training effect. It is suggested that the motion of antiferromagnetic spins is modified by the magnetization reversal mechanism in the ferromagnetic layer.     

A model of the properties of colloidal dispersions of weakly interacting fine ferromagnetic particles

A Monte Carlo technique has been used to simulate the magnetic properties of a colloidal dispersion of weakly interacting fine ferromagnetic particles. The initial susceptibility is shown to obey a Curie-Weiss like law in its variation with temperature. The ordering temperature in the Curie-Weiss law is found to increase with the diameter of the particles, the increase being associated with an increase in the local order in the system. Data from the Monte Carlo simulation is also used to assess the effects of interactions on the determination of particle size parameters from magnetic measurements. Investigation of the spatial correlation within the system reveals evidence of field induced particle agglomeration.     

Two-dimensional Monte Carlo studies of lipid molecules in a bilayer membrane

We present a new model to study in-plane liquid properties of lipid membranes. The different conformations of lipids are represented by a seven-state system of hard triatomic particles, or triples, of varying lengths which correspond to the different cross-sectional areas of the lipids in the plane of the membrane. Two-dimensional Monte Carlo simulations are performed in both the constant NVT and NPT ensembles. The distribution of states has a strong density dependence and a small temperature dependence over the biologically relevant range. There is no long range orientational order in the systems before freezing. The short range orientational order increases with density. Widom's particle insertion method is used to obtain the excess chemical potential of the system for the seven states. These values, along with the pressure, are in excellent agreement with estimates from scaled particle theory.     

Thermal stability and the magnetization process in CoCrPt–SiO2 perpendicular recording media

The correspondence between the crystallographic texture and intergranular exchange coupling interactions, with the switching mechanism and the thermal response of the magnetization in CoCrPt–SiO₂ perpendicular recording media was investigated. Virgin hysteresis and isothermal remanence magnetization measurements both showed a three-stage process, which was interpreted to indicate that the Stoner–Wohlfarth coherent reversal mode is the dominant switching mechanism irrespective of the texture. For media samples with similar degree of texture, improvement in exchange decoupling of the media grains caused an increase in the onset field for the virgin magnetization process. The thermal decay of the magnetization, evaluated via the field-dependent viscosity coefficient peaked near the nucleation field, and the peak value showed a strong dependence on the strength of the exchange coupling interactions. A model establishing the role of the texture and exchange interactions in perpendicular recording media is put forth.     

Zero-field-cooled magnetization and initial susceptibility of magnetic particle systems

General expressions for the zero-field-cooled magnetization and the initial susceptibility (χ) of magnetic particle assemblies are set up. These equations are evaluated analytically by specifying the distribution of geometric and magnetic properties of the particles. We derive relations between χ and the magnetic viscosity. The influence of interaction effects is examined.     

Sweep rate measurements of coercivity in particulate recording media

The coercivity dependence on the sweep rate is measured for different particulate recording media. The data is fitted to a new theory form which the anisotropy field H_K is calculated using the activation volume of reversal. The values of H_K obtained from the fit are smaller than the values for torque measurements.