The influence of Cu spacer morphology in Cu/Py/Cu/Co/IrMn spin valves with induced non-collinear spin structures

•Operating a confocal DC sputtering setup in a molecular-like regime, favored columnar-typegrains.•Controlling the induced uniaxial axis directions of Co and Py magnetizations, non-collinear spin structures of spin valves were prepared.•Modifying the morphology of Cu spacer, the exchange coupling between the ferromagnetic layers was enhanced.•Determining individually the Py and Co anisotropic fields and the exchange bias field in spin valves.•Changing Cu/Co interface roughness, the Co anisotropic fields are surprisingly modified by the spin reorientation effect.