Positive to negative zero-field cooled exchange bias in La0.5Sr0.5Mn0.8Co0.2O3 ceramics

Exchange bias effect obtained after zero-field cooling from unmagnetized state usually exhibits a shift of hysteresis loop negative to the direction of the initial magnetic field, known as negative zero-field cooled exchange bias. Here, positive zero-field cooled exchange bias is reported in La0.5Sr0.5Mn0.8Co0.2O3 ceramics. In addition, a transition from positive to negative exchange bias has been observed with increasing initial magnetization field and measurement temperature. Based on a simple spin bidomain model with variable interface, two type of interfacial spin configuration formed during the initial magnetization process are proposed to interpret the observed phenomenon.