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Positive exchange bias model: Fe/FeF<inf>2</inf> and Fe/MnF<inf>2</inf> bilayers

Abstract:

Positive exchange bias (PEB) is a remarkable phenomenon, which was recently observed experimentally. Normal (negative) exchange bias (NEB) was discovered more than 40 years ago. Its signature is the shift of the hysteresis loop along the applied field axis by HE<0, in systems where a ferromagnet (FM) is in close contact with an antiferromagnet (AFM). This occurs after the system is cooled below the Neel temperature in an external field Hcf of a few kOe. As Hcf is substantially increased HE adopts positive values. Here we explain this rather unexpected behavior on the basis of an incomplete domain wall model that develops in the FM, for Fe/FeF2 and Fe/MnF2 systems. A consistent and unified picture of both NEB and PEB, and satisfactory quantitative agreement with experimental results are obtained on the basis of our theory.