An Investigation of Exchange-Coupled Films by 0-K Monte Carlo Simulation Using the Classical Heisenberg Model

Monte Carlo simulations of antiferromagnetic spin configurations were performed in order to understand ferro/antiferro-exchange-coupled films. The validity of the simulation was confirmed by comparison with experimental data for bulk materials. The calculated antiferromagnetic spin configurations of the ordered ferromagnetic layer showed decayed oscillation in the spin directions. However, the calculated boundary exchange coupling was larger than the estimated experimental value, as is usual. A reasonable value for the effective boundary exchange coupling was obtained by applying a weak staggered field in the antiferromagnetic region and removing the ferromagnetic layer.