By varying the Pd thickness (tPd) from 0 to 8 nm in [Co/Pd]4/Co/Pd(tPd)/NiFe exchange springs, we
demonstrate (i) continuous tailoring of the exchange coupling between a [Co/Pd]4/Co layer with
perpendicular anisotropy, and a NiFe layer with an in-plane easy axis, (ii) tuning of the NiFe out-ofplane magnetization angle from 20J to 80J, and (iii) an up to two-fold increase in the NiFe damping.
The partial decoupling also results in a highly uniform NiFe magnetization. These properties make
[Co/Pd]4/Co/Pd(tPd)/NiFe spring magnets ideal candidates for use as tilted polarizers, by combining
stable and well-defined spin directions of its carriers with a high degree of angular freedom.