Abstract
We measured directly the depth-dependent Fe spin rotation upon magnetization reversal in exchange-coupled bilayers using nuclear resonant scattering of synchrotron radiation from an -probe layer buried at different depths within the Fe film. Our results show that the exchange-biased ferromagnetic layer develops a noncollinear spin structure along the film normal direction, reminiscent of a partial domain wall parallel to the interface. This is contrary to most theoretical models of exchange bias which assume a collinear spin structure in the ferromagnetic layer.
- Received 10 July 2008
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.78.224401
©2008 American Physical Society