Spin-transfer interactions in exchange-biased spin valves

We extend to a new antiferromagnetic alloy, IrMn, point-contact based studies of the effect of a large current density on the exchange bias at antiferromagnet/ferromagnet (AFM/F) interfaces. Similarly to the case of AFM=CoFe, a negative current density similar to 10(12) A/m(2) injected through the F=CoFe into an IrMn/CoFe interface was found to increase the exchange bias, while a positive current decreased it. The model used to describe the data for FeMn/CoFe, based on predicted current-induced torques on AFM, can explain the new data. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3057951]