Magnetodynamical properties of nanomagnets are affected by the demagnetizing fields created by the same nanoelements. In addition, magnetocrystalline anisotropy produces an effective field that also contributes to the spin dynamics. We show how the dimensions of magnetic elements can be used to balance crystalline and shape anisotropies, and that this can be used to tailor the magnetodynamic properties. We study ferromagnetic ellipses patterned from a 10-nm-thick epitaxial Fe film with dimensions ranging from $50\times 150$ to $150\times 450$ nm. The study combines ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectroscopy with analytical calculations and micromagnetic simulations, and proves that the dynamical properties can be effectively controlled by changing the size of the nanomagnets. We also show how edge defects in the samples influence the magnetization dynamics. Dynamical edge modes localized along the sample edges are strongly influenced by edge defects, and this needs to be taken into account in understanding the full FMR spectrum.

• Received 21 April 2015
• Revised 25 August 2015

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.92.104406