Exchange bias in nanostructures

The phenomenology of exchange bias and related effects in nanostructures is reviewed. The types of systems discussed include: lithographically fabricated ferromagnetic (FM)-antiferromagnetic (AFM) nanostructures, chemically surface modified FM particles, FM particles embedded in an AFM matrix, controlled core-shell particles, nanoparticles with surface effects and coupled AFM-AFM systems. The main applications of exchange biased nanostructures are summarized. Finally, the implications of the nanometer dimensions on some of the existing exchange bias theories are briefly discussed. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier B.V.