Experimental study of the coupling between two ferromagnetic layers through an antiferromagnetic spacer

Abstract The coupling between two ferromagnetic layers across an antiferromagnetic spacer layer was studied by investigating the magnetic properties of spin-valves comprising Co/NiO/Co sandwiches as pinned layer. Various regimes were identified as a function of NiO thickness and temperature. Minor loops measurements indicate that a ferromagnetic coupling exists through NiO up to the largest NiO thickness investigated (20 nm).