Hyper-domains in exchange bias micro-stripe pattern

A combination of experimental techniques, e.g. vector-MOKE magnetometry, Kerr microscopy and polarized neutron reflectometry, was applied to study the field induced evolution of the magnetization distribution over a periodic pattern of alternating exchange bias stripes. The lateral structure is impr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:arXiv.org 2008-03
Main Authors: Theis-Broehl, K, Westphalen, A, Zabel, H, Ruecker, U, McCord, J, Hoeink, V, Schmalhorst, J, Reiss, G, Weis, T, Engel, D, Ehresmann, A, Toperverg, B P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antiferromagnetism
Bias
Continuous ion exchanging
Domains
Ferromagnetism
Ion irradiation
Magnetic measurement
Magnetic moments
Magnetism
Magnetization
Reflectometry
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Summary:A combination of experimental techniques, e.g. vector-MOKE magnetometry, Kerr microscopy and polarized neutron reflectometry, was applied to study the field induced evolution of the magnetization distribution over a periodic pattern of alternating exchange bias stripes. The lateral structure is imprinted into a continuous ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic exchange-bias bi-layer via laterally selective exposure to He-ion irradiation in an applied field. This creates an alternating frozen-in interfacial exchange bias field competing with the external field in the course of the re-magnetization. It was found that in a magnetic field applied at an angle with respect to the exchange bias axis parallel to the stripes the re-magnetization process proceeds via a variety of different stages. They include coherent rotation of magnetization towards the exchange bias axis, precipitation of small random (ripple) domains, formation of a stripe-like alternation of the magnetization, and development of a state in which the magnetization forms large hyper-domains comprising a number of stripes. Each of those magnetic states is quantitatively characterized via the comprehensive analysis of data on specular and off-specular polarized neutron reflectivity. The results are discussed within a phenomenological model containing a few parameters which can readily be controlled by designing systems with a desired configuration of magnetic moments of micro- and nano-elements.
ISSN:2331-8422
DOI:10.48550/arxiv.0803.2144