Coupling between two ferromagnetic layers separated by an antiferromagnetic layer

We have investigated the interlayer exchange coupling between two ferromagn etic (FM) layers mediated by an antiferromagnetic (AF) layer. We have exten ded Slonczewski's "proximity magnetism" idea in the trilayers by including an AF magnetocrystalline anisotropy and considering interfacial exchange co upling that is influenced by the interface roughness. Using a continuum mod el we obtain the rotation behavior of the AF moments during FM magnetizatio n reversal. The results are discussed within the context of the "proximity magnetism" model. The FM magnetization behavior and the interlayer coupling are strongly dependent on the interfacial exchange coupling and the AF thi ckness, compared with the AF domain wall energy sigma(W) and the wall lengt h delta(W), respectively. A study of the exchange anisotropy in FM/AF bilay ers is also presented.