Magnetization reversal in FM/AF/FM trilayers:: dependence of AF thickness

Magnetic profiles of FM/AF/FM trilayers (FM = ferromagnet, AF = antiferromagnet), as a function of AT thickness t have been investigated by bulk magnetization and polarized neutron reflectivity measurements. DC magnetization results show a t-dependence of the magnetization reversal. From the analysis of polarized neutron reflectivity in conjunction with the DC magnetization we conclude that the thickness dependence of magnetization reversal is a direct consequence of domain wall formation across NiO. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.