An atomic model calculation of exchange anisotropy and uncompensated spin element in antiferromagnetic layer: An effect of exchange coupling with various ferromagnetic materials

An atomic model of the direct exchange coupling in an antiferromagnetic (AF) and ferromagnetic (FM) bilayer has been investigated. Exchange anisotropy is achieved by different mechanisms in the body-centred-cubic and face-centred-cubic FM layers. For the former, the formation of an AF domain wall directly causes the exchange anisotropy. For the latter, a cooperative effect in the AF domain wall and the asymmetric form of the uncompensated AF spins produces the exchange anisotropy.