We investigate exchange coupled Co/Pd5 –NiFe thin films. Due to competition between the in-plane shape anisotropy of the NiFe and strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of the Co/Pd5 multilayer, unique magnetic configurations are achievable. In particular, we explore the out-of-plane magnetization tilt angle of the NiFe layer. Experimental results, based on conventional magnetometry, ferromagnetic resonance, and magnetic force microscopy, agree well with one-dimensional micromagnetic simulations. We find that the tilt angle is highly tunable 0°–60° over a small range of NiFe thicknesses 4.8–8 nm. Potential applications for high power, zero-field operation spin torque oscillators are discussed. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.
