Remanence plots technique extended to exchange bias systems

Abstract

Efforts have been recently made to use remanence plots in exchange-bias studies. However, since the two remnant magnetizations of a biased loop may differ, this technique cannot be applied in its classical form. This work extends it to systems with shifted loops and shows that the number of distinct plots is significantly increased. The approach was probed on Co/IrMn exchange bias films. Possible discrepancies between experiment and theory are pointed out and discussed. The adaptation of the model presented here enables it to become one of the few accessible techniques for rapid and accurate evaluation of magnetic interactions in biased systems.