This timely book covers basic mechanisms, characterization, theoretical simulations, and applications for exchange bias in granular nanosystems, thin films, and bulk systems. After an overview of the field and key principles, the next section covers nanogranular (core-shell) systems, followed by chapters on thin films, bilayers/multilayers nanostructures, dilute magnetic semiconductors, and multiferroic systems. A final section turns to bulk systems, such as those consisting of perovskite structures, rare earth-transition metal intermetallic, and ion implantations. Readers of this book will obtain A complete, modern overview on exchange bias phenomena, covering synthesis, characterization techniques, and applications An introduction to all the important phenomenological models proposed for thin films, bulk materials, and nanoparticles Detailed discussion of the importance of size, shape, cooling field, and temperature on exchange bias properties Understanding of novel applications of exchange bias systems

Heterostructures consist of combinations of different materials, which are in contact through at least one interface. Magnetic heterostructures combine different physical properties which do not exist in nature. This book provides the first comprehensive overview of an exciting and fast developing field of research, which has already resulted in numerous applications and is the basis for future spintronic devices.

The book Ferromagnetic Resonance - Theory and Applications highlights recent advances at the interface between the science and technology of nanostructures (bilayer-multilayers, nanowires, spinel type nanoparticles, photonic crystal, etc.). The electromagnetic resonance techniques have become a central field of modern scientific and technical activity. The modern technical applications of ferromagnetic resonance are in spintronics, electronics, space navigation, remote-control equipment, radio engineering, electronic computers, maritime, electrical engineering, instrument-making and geophysical methods of prospecting.

Exchange bias and training effect are simulated for IrMn/NiFe bilayers. As a function of the thickness of the antiferromagnet the bias field shows a maximum for a thickness of 22 nm. For decreasing antiferromagnetic thickness the domain wall energy approaches zero, For large thicknesses the high anisotropy energy hinders switching of the antiferromagnetic grains resulting in weak bias. Starting from the field cooled state as initial configuration a bias field of about 8 mT is obtained assuming a antiferromagnetic layer thickness of 20 nm a ferromagnetic layer thickness of 10 nm, and a grain size of 10 nm. The next hysteresis cycle shows a reduction of the bias field by about 65%. Exchange bias and training effect in fully compensated antiferromagnet/ferromagnet bilayers are explained with a simple micromagnetic model. The model assumes no defects except for grain boundaries, and coupling is due to spin flop at a perfect interface. The simulations show that a weak exchange interaction between randomly oriented antiferromagnetic grains and spin flop coupling at a perfectly compensated interface are sufficient to support exchange bias.

This first focused treatment on a hot topic highlights fundamental aspects as well as technological applications arising from a fascinating area of condensed matter physics. The editors have excellent track records and, in light of the broadness of the topic, retain the focus on antiferromagnetic oxides. They thus cover such topics as dichroism in x-ray absorption, non-magnetic substrates, exchange bias, ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic interface coupling and oxide multilayers, as well as imaging using soft x-ray microscopy. The result is a very timely monograph for solid state physicists and chemists, materials scientists, electrical engineers, physicists in industry, physical laboratory technicians, and suppliers of sensors.