Uncompensated spins in a micro-patterned CoFeB/MnIr exchange bias system

摘要

The element specific domain configuration of a microstructured Co86Fe10B4/Mn77Ir23/Ni80Fe20/Si3N4 exchange bias film was studied by photoemission electron microscopy using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. In the dots the magnetization shows less preferred orientation along the exchange bias direction than in unstructured areas. Uncompensated Mn spins at the CoFeB/MnIr interface with an antiferromagnetic coupling between the Mn and the Co magnetic moments could be studied by imaging and spectromicroscopy. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.