Asymmetric Domain Nucleation and Unusual Magnetization Reversal in Ultrathin Co Films with Perpendicular Anisotropy

Y. L. Iunin, Y. P. Kabanov, V. I. Nikitenko, X. M. Cheng, D. Clarke, O. A. Tretiakov, O. Tchernyshyov, A. J. Shapiro, R. D. Shull, and C. L. Chien

Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 117204 – Published 16 March 2007

Abstract

We report unexpected phenomena during magnetization reversal in ultrathin Co films and $Co / Pt$ multilayers with perpendicular anisotropy. Using magneto-optical Kerr microscopy and magnetic force microscopy we have observed asymmetrical nucleation centers where the reversal begins for one direction of the field only and is characterized by an acute asymmetry of domain-wall mobility. We have also observed magnetic domains with a continuously varying average magnetization, which can be explained in terms of the coexistence of three magnetic phases: up, down, and striped.

Received 15 June 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.98.117204

Authors & Affiliations

Y. L. Iunin¹, Y. P. Kabanov¹, V. I. Nikitenko^1,2,3, X. M. Cheng², D. Clarke², O. A. Tretiakov², O. Tchernyshyov², A. J. Shapiro³, R. D. Shull², and C. L. Chien²

¹Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka 142432, Russia
²The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore 21218, Maryland, USA
³National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg 20899, Maryland, USA

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Vol. 98, Iss. 11 — 16 March 2007

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