Mn_xPt_1-x: A new exchange bias material for Permalloy

Abstract

We report exchange biasing of Permalloy in as-grown MnxPt1-x/Permalloy structures grown by coevaporation in ultra-high vacuum. Polycrystalline and epitaxial structures with x between 0.35 and 0.75 were studied. X-ray diffraction confirms the presence of chemical ordering in the MnxPt1-x films (grown at 200 °C) in as-grown polycrystalline and epitaxial structures. An interfacial coupling energy of 0.032 erg/cm2 is found for structures where the MnxPt1-x (x = 0.56) is grown at 200 °C onto epitaxial Permalloy (001). Polycrystalline structures have a smaller (0.027 erg/cm2) interfacial coupling energy. No exchange bias is observed for films with x ≤ 0.4. The blocking temperature, for a sample with x = 0.56, is >500 K. © 1997 American Institute of Physics.