On the possibility of detecting asymmetric magnetization reversal processes in exchange bias systems by low temperature nuclear orientation

Low temperature nuclear orientation has been used for the first time to investigate the magnetization reversal processes in an exchange bias system (Co/Au/CoO), with the advantage of observing both the Co and Au layers at the same time. By monitoring the counting-rate ratio of two γ-ray detectors, the measurements may be used to distinguish between reversal processes dominated by domain wall motion as opposed to rotation of the magnetization.