Depth profile of uncompensated spins in an exchange bias system

Phys Rev Lett. 2005 Jul 22;95(4):047201. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.95.047201. Epub 2005 Jul 21.

Abstract

We have used the unique spatial sensitivity of polarized neutron and soft x-ray beams in reflection geometry to measure the depth dependence of magnetization across the interface between a ferromagnet and an antiferromagnet. The net uncompensated magnetization near the interface responds to applied field, while uncompensated spins in the antiferromagnet bulk are pinned, thus providing a means to establish exchange bias.