Probing interspatial magnetic flux distributions in ferromagnetic stripe arrays by specular and off-specular polarized neutron scattering

Edge roughness in magnetic stripe arrays is an important structural parameter with a sizable impact on magnetic domains, domain correlation, pinning and propagation of domain walls in micro- and nanostripes proposed for data storage and logic devices. We have investigated two different stripe arrays...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review. B 2020-06, Vol.101 (22), p.1, Article 224404
Main Authors: Gorkov, D., Toperverg, B. P., Zabel, H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Arrays
Data storage
Domain walls
Electronic devices
Ferromagnetism
Ferrous alloys
Magnetic alloys
Magnetic domains
Magnetic flux
Magnetic induction
Magnetism
Neutron flux
Neutron scattering
Neutrons
Periodic variations
Reflectance
Roughness
Wave dispersion
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Edge roughness in magnetic stripe arrays is an important structural parameter with a sizable impact on magnetic domains, domain correlation, pinning and propagation of domain walls in micro- and nanostripes proposed for data storage and logic devices. We have investigated two different stripe arrays fabricated by lithographic methods from permalloy Fe22Ni78, one with rough edges and another one with smooth edges. Performing polarized neutron reflectivity and polarized neutron off-specular scattering both patterns yield specular reflectivity curves with pronounced Kiessig fringes and well resolved Bragg bands in the off-specular regime due to the lateral periodicity. When applying a saturating magnetic field perpendicular to the stripes, a significant diffuse scattering can be detected close to the total reflection edge where it is enhanced by the Yoneda effect. This diffuse magnetic scattering can be attributed to inhomogeneities of the magnetic induction in the empty space between the stripes. In contrast, the sample with much less edge roughness does not exhibit off-specular diffuse scattering. Thus polarized neutron scattering from stripe patterns is a suitable tool for quantitative characterization of inhomogeneous magnetic flux distribution in the interspace between magnetic stripes invoked by their edge roughness.
ISSN:2469-9950
2469-9969
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevB.101.224404