Inverted hysteresis and giant exchange bias in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrRuO3 superlattices

The magnetization reversal mechanisms in a La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrRuO3 superlattice with ultrathin individual layers were studied. Due to the strong exchange bias between La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 and SrRuO3 layers inverted hysteresis loops were observed at temperatures below 62 K; at higher temperatures the superlattice showed an unconventional reversal mechanism with the magnetically hard SrRuO3 layers switching first on reducing the magnetic field from saturation. These observations were corroborated by micromagnetic simulations and were interpreted as arising from interfacial Bloch walls. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3470101]