Bias fields arise within magnetic multilayers from the interaction between ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AF) components, but these fields are an order of magnitude smaller than expected using simple microscopic models. Until now it has proved impossible to determine the magnetic structures at the interfaces between the layers on the nanoscale using neutrons due to signal limitations. Using Fe/Mn multilayers we have been able to reveal the magnetic ordering at buried interfaces with atomic resolution in a simple system with uncompensated moments with all spins aligned in the AF Mn atomic layer next to the FM Fe. Our measurements show completely unexpected orthogonal magnetic structures, which may arise from frustration of the interfacial interaction at terraces (see figure). The results readily explain why the bias fields are so small, and show that the microscopic magnetic ordering assumed in a variety of exchange-biased systems may have to be revised.
SJ Lee, JP Goff (University of Liverpool), GJ McIntyre (ILL), RCC
Ward (University of Oxford), S Langridge, T Charlton, R Dalgliesh (ISIS)
Research date: December 2007
Further Information
SJ Lee et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 99(3) (2007) 037204
