Magnetic force microscopy analysis of magnetization reversal in exchange-biased Co/CoO nanostructure arrays

International audienceAsymmetry in the magnetization reversal processes of exchange bias Co/CoO rectangular nanodot arrays is revealed by magnetic force microscopy. One-step switching is found along the descending branch of the hysteresis cycle whereas rotational or multidomain processes are involved along the ascending branch. From a statistical analysis of the environment of each dot during reversal, it is concluded that dipolar interactions do not significantly influence the magnetization reversal processes