Title
Correlation between magnetic interactions and domain structure in A1 FePt ferromagnetic thin films
Date Issued
28 February 2014
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Álvarez N.
Valente R.C.
Vásquez Mansilla M.
Gómez J.
Milano J.
Butera A.
Instituto Balseiro
Publisher(s)
American Institute of Physics Inc.
Abstract
We have investigated the relationship between the domain structure and the magnetic interactions in a series of FePt ferromagnetic thin films of varying thickness. As-made films grow in the magnetically soft and chemically disordered A1 phase that may have two distinct domain structures. Above a critical thickness dcr ∼ 30 nm the presence of an out of plane anisotropy induces the formation of stripes, while for d < dcr planar domains occur. Magnetic interactions have been characterized using the well known DC demagnetization - isothermal remanent magnetization remanence protocols, δM plots, and magnetic viscosity measurements. We have observed a strong correlation between the domain configuration and the sign of the magnetic interactions. Planar domains are associated with positive exchange-like interactions, while stripe domains have a strong negative dipolar-like contribution. In this last case we have found a close correlation between the interaction parameter and the surface dipolar energy of the stripe domain structure. Using time dependent magnetic viscosity measurements, we have also estimated an average activation volume for magnetic reversal, 〈V ac〉∼1.37×104 nm3, which is approximately independent of the film thickness or the stripe period.
Volume
115
Issue
8
Number
083907
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Física de plasmas y fluídos Física de partículas, Campos de la Física
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-84896788064
Source
Journal of Applied Physics
ISSN of the container
00218979
Sources of information: Directorio de Producción Científica Scopus