Exchange bias effect in Co-Cu-Co pseudo spin-valve layers

In this paper, we present the exchange bias effect observed at low temperatures in ferromagnetic (FM) layers coupled through a non-magnetic (NM) layer. A pseudo spin valve trilayer of Co-Cu-Co is fabricated by electron beam evaporation and studied. Room temperature study shows that the film is ferromagnetically coupled with easy axis in plane with the film. Low temperature vibrating sample magnetometer study of the film reveals the complicated switching mechanism in the trilayer structures by several switching steps, observed in the hysteresis cycle as the magnetic field is swept across the sample. The number of steps is found to depend on the direction of measurement. The variation of magnetic properties of pseudo spin valve is studied at different temperatures and angles with respect to the applied magnetic field.