PNNL

Abstract

The magnetization process in an exchange biased MnPd/Fe bilayer has been investigated using vibrating sample and torque magnetometry. A simple analytical model based on coherent magnetic moment rotation has been used to qualitatively explain and describe the magnetization process. The shift of the hysteresis loop, the increased coercivity, the easy and hard axis behavior as well as the intermediate magnetic state seen in the hysteresis loops are reproduced in the model. However, the magnitude of the bias and the coercivity are not strictly in agreement with the measured values. The discrepancies are attributed to the simplified model which does not take into account the role of magnetic domains or disorder at the MnPd/Fe interface.