Domain structures during magnetization reversal in exchange-biased layers

Abstract

The magnetization reversal of an exchange-biased Co/NiO layer is studied with the help of magneto-optical microscopy, as a function of the angle between the applied magnetic field and the biasing direction. Based on domain patterns, a model of the magnetization reversal in these layers is presented. The drastic changes in the domain patterns indicate different domain nucleation conditions for different directions of the effective field.