Observation of intriguing exchange bias in BiFeO3 thin films

We have reported an intriguing exchange bias in BiFeO3 thin films on SrTiO3 substrates. While the field cooling temperature (∼300 K) is far below the Néel temperature of BiFeO3 (∼640 K), we clearly observe the exchange bias (∼−225 Oe) at 10 K. The exchange bias becomes strong with lowering temperatu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied physics 2012-08, Vol.112 (3)
Main Authors: Sung, K. D., Park, Y. A., Seo, M. S., Jo, Y., Hur, N., Jung, J. H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antiferromagnetism
Bias
Cooling
Ferromagnetic materials
Grain boundaries
Magnetic fields
Microscopy
Thin films
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Summary:We have reported an intriguing exchange bias in BiFeO3 thin films on SrTiO3 substrates. While the field cooling temperature (∼300 K) is far below the Néel temperature of BiFeO3 (∼640 K), we clearly observe the exchange bias (∼−225 Oe) at 10 K. The exchange bias becomes strong with lowering temperature and depends on the applied magnetic field direction during cooling, irrespective of crystallographic directions. Magnetic force microscopy measurements reveal the existence of a ferri/ferromagnetic material, probably γ-Fe2O3, at the grain boundary of antiferromagnetic BiFeO3, forming a core-shell like structure. Based on the uncompensated spins and strong anisotropy of antiferromagnetic layer, we have explained the observed exchange bias.
ISSN:0021-8979
1089-7550
DOI:10.1063/1.4745887