Relation between exchange anisotropy and magnetization reversal asymmetry inFe/MnF2bilayers

Abstract
The angular dependence of the magnetic anisotropy of exchange biased Fe/MnF2 bilayers was measured. Below the Néel temperature of the antiferromagnetic MnF2 layer, an exchange anisotropy is observed which consists of unidirectional, uniaxial, threefold and fourfold symmetry components. The threefold exchange anisotropy term is responsible for the asymmetric magnetization reversal process recently observed in this system.