The effect of microstructure and interface conditions on the exchange coupling fields of NiFe/FeMn

The effect of microstructure and interface conditions on the exchange coupl ing field H-ex and coercivity H-c of NiFe/FeMn systems was investigated. Th e results show that the exchange coupling was dependent on [111] crystal or ientation and interface roughness as well as the grain size of FeMn. The hi gh H-ex (approximate to 120 Oe) and low H-c (approximate to 5 Oe) of the pi nned NiFe layer was achieved by a two-step deposition procedure. The down s ublayers were deposited at a lower argon pressure, and the upper sublayers were deposited at a higher argon pressure. The former promoted the formatio n of the strong (111) textures and smooth interfaces. The latter promoted s mall domains and sharp interfaces. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All right s reserved.