Exchange Bias in FeMn/M (M = FeNi, Gd, Tb) Films

Abstract Microstructure and hysteretic properties of magnetic multilayers were studied for Fe50Mn50/M structures, where M = Fe19Ni81, Gd or Tb. Comparative analysis of the hysteresis loops measured for the temperature range 5÷350 K showed that Gd is not involved in the interlayer exchange coupling with antiferromagnetic Fe50Mn50 layer, while in the case of Tb definite indications of such interaction were observed. It is assumed that a qualitative difference in the magnetic behavior of these rare earth layers can be caused by differences in their structural features.