"villari reversal" in the exchange biased [Pd/Co]5 /FeMn thin films with perpendicular anisotropy

Abstract

Exchange bias characteristics of [Pd/Co] 5 /FeMn thin films with perpendicular anisotropy have been explored by externally applying a mechanical stress for a magnetic pressure sensor application. It was found that the physical behavior of exchange bias field and coercivity of the [Pd/Co] 5 /FeMn thin films are closely relevant to the strength of applied stress and its direction. Magnetoelastic energy calculation and the physical analysis demonstrated that the stress-induced "Villari reversal" of the Co magnetizations directly resulted in changing the perpendicular anisotropy of the [Co/Pd] multilayers is primarily responsible for the variation in exchange bias coupling occurred at the [Co/Pd] and FeMn interface. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.