Theory of long-wavelength spin waves in exchange biased bilayers

Long-wavelength spin waves are examined in an exchange biased ferromagnet/a ntiferromagnet bilayer. The frequencies of the excitations are calculated a s a function of external field strength and orientation. It is suggested th at the angular dependence of the frequencies can lead to linewidth enhancem ents, in agreement with recent experimental results. It is also shown that the study of the spin wave frequencies can yield the strengths of the antif erromagnet anisotropy and interlayer coupling. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.