Electrical resistivity due to electron scattering with magnetic domain walls and magnetic properties of Ni-Fe alloy thin films

The physical properties of magnetic domain walls and electrical conductivity of permalloy thin films under external magnetic fields were studied. Using a magnetic force microscope (MFM), we observed the variation of domain configurations with the change of applied magnetic field for different film thicknesses of 245, 320, and 415 nm. A superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) was exploited to measure the magnetization loop for the applied magnetic field either parallel or perpendicular to the normal direction of the surface. We also found that the resistivity increases significantly as the electrical current conduction changed from parallel to perpendicular to the domain walls.     

Quantitative analysis of magnetization reversal in patterned strip wire by magnetic force microscopy

Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) was used to investigate the magnetization reversal process in a patterned strip wire of permalloy thin film. The magnitude of the phase-shift of tapping mode MFM changed with the varying interactive magnetic force between the magnetic tip and the sample. By analyzing the change in values of the phase-shift, the behaviors of magnetization reversal of different local regions in a patterned strip wire can be quantitatively analyzed. The intensity of the phase-shift in the wider end is stronger than that in the narrower one. In contrast, due to a strong anisotropic effect, the coercive force in the narrower end (9 Oe) is larger than that in the wider one (8 Oe). Therefore, the H_c in the neck section could become strongly affected by the competition of the head-to-tail magnetic configurations in the two parts of the strip wire, and this results in a small H_c in the neck section. In addition, in a simple neck shape connection in a strip NiFe wire, a single domain configuration can be easily changed to a two single domain magnetic configuration.     

Investigation of the magnetization reversal of a magnetic dot array of Co/Pt multilayers

The magnetization reversal behavior of a dot array consisting of Co/Pt multilayers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy was investigated. The size of the dots was varied from 200 nm down to 40 nm, while keeping the filling factor constant at about 0.16. The structural properties were determined by scanning electron microscopy, whereas the magnetic investigation was performed using SQUID and MFM techniques. It was observed that the dot size has a severe impact on the magnetization reversal mechanism where only the smallest dots with a size of 40 nm are found to be in a magnetic single-domain state. Moreover, the patterning process leads to a degradation of the multilayer, leading to a reduction of the switching field and an increase of the switching field distribution with decreasing dot size. In addition, micromagnetic simulations were performed to understand the magnetization reversal mechanism in more detail.     

利用扫描透射X射线显微镜观测磁涡旋结构

利用上海光源软X射线谱学显微光束线站(STXM)并结合X射线的磁圆二色效应, 我们对方形、圆形和三角形的Ni₈₀Fe₂₀薄膜微结构中的磁涡旋结构进行了定量实验观测, 并利用同步辐射光源的元素分辨特性, 分别在Fe和Ni的L₃吸收边对涡旋磁结构进行了观测. 我们还对磁涡旋中磁矩的分布进行了定量分析, 发现实验结果与微磁学模拟结果完全符合.     

Current-driven magnetization switching and domain wall motion in nanostructures—Survey of recent experiments

An overview of recent experimental studies and new routes in the field of current-driven magnetization dynamics in nanostructured materials is given. The review introduces the basic concepts (Landau–Lifshitz phenomenology, critical current, spin currents in relation to spin accumulation, adiabatic/non-adiabatic spin-torque) and describes the main results of recent experiments on current-driven magnetization reversal within vertical pillar-like nanostructures and current-driven domain wall motion within laterally confined specimens. While for the pillar systems a discussion is provided of how the introduction of layers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, tunnel barriers and exchange bias and(or) oxide layers can be used to reduce the critical current densities for current-induced switching, the role of perpendicular anisotropy, use of spin valve structures, diluted magnetic semiconductors and epitaxial materials to increase the domain wall velocities are reviewed in the case of current-driven domain wall movement within lateral systems.     

Experimental determination of ultra-sharp stray field distribution from a magnetic vortex core structure

The fine magnetic stray field from a vortex structure of micron-sized permalloy (Ni₈₀Fe₂₀) elements has been studied by high-resolution magnetic force microscopy. By systematically studying the width of the stray field gradient distribution at different tip-to-sample distances, we show that the half-width at half-maximum (HWHM) of the signal from vortex core can be as narrow as ∼21 nm at a closest tip-to-sample distance of 23 nm, even including the convolution effect of the finite size of the magnetic tip. a weak circular reverse component is found around the center of the magnetic vortex in the measured magnetic force microscope (MFM) signals, which can be attributed to the reverse magnetization around the vortex core. Successive micromagnetic and MFM imaging simulations show good agreements with our experimental results on the width of the stray field distribution.     

Magnetization reversal of ferromagnetic nanoparticles under inhomogeneous magnetic field

We investigated remagnetization processes in ferromagnetic nanoparticles under inhomogeneous magnetic field induced by the tip of magnetic force microscope (MFM) in both theoretical and empirical ways. Systematic MFM observations were carried out on arrays of submicron-sized elliptical ferromagnetic particles of Co and FeCr with different sizes and periods. It clearly reveals the distribution of remanent magnetization and processes of local remagnetization of individual ferromagnetic particles. Modeling of remagnetization processes in ferromagnetic nanoparticles under magnetic field induced by MFM probe was performed on the base of Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation for magnetization. MFM-induced inhomogeneous magnetic field is very effective to control the magnetic state of individual ferromagnetic nanoparticles as well as to create different distribution of magnetic field in array of ferromagnetic nanoparticles.     

Specific features of observing magnetization inhomogeneities on the surface of permalloy thin films by means of highly sensitive magnetic-force-microscopy probes

The results of studying regions of inhomogeneous magnetization on the surface of permalloy thin films with the use of fabricated highly sensitive probes of magnetic force microscopy (MFM) are presented. The technological features of manufacturing MFM probes with a high sensitivity to magnetic-field gradient are analyzed. Regions of ordering of the vertical component of the magnetic field are revealed, and domain walls are visualized in the thin films under study. Nanoscale measurements of the domain-wall thicknesses are performed.     

In-plane magnetic pattern separation in NiFe/NiO and Co/NiO exchange biased bilayers investigated by magnetic force microscopy

Ion bombardment induced magnetic patterning (IBMP) was used to write in-plane magnetized micro and submicron patterns in exchange biased magnetic bilayers, where the magnetization directions of the adjacent patterns are antiparallel to each other in remanence. These magnetic patterns were investigated by non-contact magnetic force microscopy (MFM). It is shown that the recorded MFM images of the IBMP patterns in two exemplarily chosen standard layer systems (NiFe (4.8 nm)/NiO (68 nm) and Co (4.8 nm)/NiO (68 nm)) can be well described by a model within the point-dipole approximation for the tip magnetization. For 5 and 0.9 μm wide bar patterns the domain wall widths between adjacent magnetically patterned areas were determined to a≈1 μm. The minimum magnetically stable pattern width was estimated to be 0.7 μm in the standard system Co (4.8 nm)/NiO (68 nm).     

Magnetic elements for switching magnetization magnetic force microscopy tips

Using combination of micromagnetic calculations and magnetic force microscopy (MFM) imaging we find optimal parameters for novel magnetic tips suitable for switching magnetization MFM. Switching magnetization MFM is based on two-pass scanning atomic force microscopy with reversed tip magnetization between the scans. Within the technique the sum of the scanned data with reversed tip magnetization depicts local atomic forces, while their difference maps the local magnetic forces. Here we propose the design and calculate the magnetic properties of tips suitable for this scanning probe technique. We find that for best performance the spin-polarized tips must exhibit low magnetic moment, low switching fields, and single-domain state at remanence. The switching field of such tips is calculated and optimum shape of the Permalloy elements for the tips is found. We show excellent correspondence between calculated and experimental results for Py elements.     

GdFeCo/TbFeCo磁超分辨磁光记录薄膜研究

用磁控溅射法制备了GdFeCo/TbFeCo交换耦合两层薄膜,利用不同温度的克尔磁滞回线和VSM磁滞回线研究了读出层(GdFeCo)变温磁化方向变化过程.结果表明,随温度升高读出层从平面磁化转变为垂直磁化,交换耦合两层薄膜具有中心孔探测磁超分辨的基本性能.转变过程主要受饱和磁化强度（M_s）的影响,在GdFeCo的补偿温度附近,读出层的磁化强度较小,退磁场能也较小,在交换耦合的作用下,使读出层(GdFeCo)的磁化方向发生转变.磁化方向的转变在75℃~125℃的温度范围内变化较快.     

Arrangement effects of triangular defects on magnetization reversal process in a permalloy dot

The arrangement effects of triangular defects on the magnetization configurations and switching process of a permalloy disk are investigated by micromagnetic simulations. For the case of one defect, the vortex is nucleated via the S state (W state) as the direction of the triangular defect is parallel (perpendicular) to the orientation of the external field. For the case of two defects, two types of switching processes are found dependent on their arrangement. For the two triangular defects with the same direction, the reversal occurs via formation, pinning, depinning and annihilation of the vortex state, however, for the two triangular defects with the opposite directions, the reversal is realized by formation and annihilation of the double-vortex state. The nucleation field for the disk with a triangular defect is more sensitive to the defect position than the case of a circular (square) defect, and it shows different variation trends for different triangular directions. The chirality of the vortex state nucleated in the reversal process can be controlled by the triangular defect.     

Magnetic properties of hexagonal ferrite dot arrays

Patterned magnetic media have been considered as one of the promising candidates for future ultra-high-density magnetic recording. In this paper, a new kind of patterned medium based on hexagonal ferrite have been studied. We have successfully fabricated strontium ferrite dot arrays by electron beam lithography. Their magnetic properties are evaluated by magnetic force microscopy (MFM) and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The results show the dot arrays have perpendicular anisotropy. Dots with the lateral size larger than 500 nm show multidomain magnetization configuration in the initial magnetization state. However, with dot size decreased to 500 nm, all the dots have single-domain configuration both in the initial magnetization state and remanent magnetization state.     

Field-dependent evolution of magnetic states in Co ring arrays

We present a systematic study of field-dependent evolution in the magnetization reversal process of elongated Co ring arrays using in-situ field magnetic force microscopy. We observed that, the rings typically undergo a uniform→onion→vortex→reverse onion→reverse uniform spin-state transition as the field is swept along the major axis of the rings. However, the switching field distribution in the arrays generally leads to each transition occupying a wide range of fields, which results in the observation of coexistence of different magnetization states at lower field. The magnetization reversal sequence has also been verified by micromagnetic simulations, which show good agreement with our experimental data.     

Thickness and magnetic-field dependence of domain switching in isolated and interacting permalloy contacts

Control of the magnetic behavior of microstructured ferromagnets is a crucial prerequisite for magnetoelectronic and spintronic devices. Microstructured permalloy (Ni₈₃Fe₁₇) contacts of various thicknesses on the same sample are studied experimentally by means of magnetic-force microscopy at remanence and in external magnetic fields. The results are compared to micromagnetic simulations. Switching fields and corresponding magnetization patterns of the contacts are determined by measuring and simulating entire hysteresis curves. From the simulated magnetization data magnetic-force-microscopy images are calculated, which allow straight-forward comparison. Magnetostatic interaction is probed using contacts located in close vicinity. The domain switching in these contacts occurs at magnetic fields one order of magnitude smaller than in isolated ones.     

MFM imaging of micron-sized permalloy ellipses

The magnetic domain structure of micron-sized elliptic permalloy elements has been studied by magnetic force microscope (MFM) measurements, and has been compared to results from micromagnetic simulations. The elements all have the same aspect ratio, whereas the inter-elemental distance has been varied. Both the zero-field states and in field domain configurations have been studied. In zero-applied field, two different stable flux-closure states were found in both the MFM measurements and in the simulations. The different stable domain states occur as a result of minute differences in the local magnetic environment occurring during the demagnetization process.     

Magnetoresistive measurement of switching behavior in nano-structured magnetic dot arrays

In the present study, geometrical and thermal effects in a mesoscopic magnetization reversal process have been studied on a novel nano-structure of magnetic relief dot with magnetoresistive measurements. Only the top layer of a substrate/CoPt(10 nm)/Cu(10 nm)/NiFe(6, 12 nm) film was structured into rectangular dots with various lengths (L) and widths (W) down to 0.2 μm. Coercive fields of NiFe relief dots (W=0.2 μm) systematically decrease with the decrease of L/W, as predicted from demagnetizing factors in single domain particle. About 50% reduction of H_c due to a temperature rise, from 5 to 300 K, demonstrates considerable thermal activation in the magnetization reversal of nano-structured magnetic particles.     

Recent results in magnetic force microscopy

We present domain wall images obtained by using Magnetic Force Microscope (MFM) on magnetic samples like: double layer of permalloy alloy, magnetic hard disk, BaFe₁₂O₁₉ single crystal and YGdTmGa/YSmTmGa magnetic garnet. We have imaged topography and magnetic forces of the same area. The Fe double- and single-layer thin film tips have been prepared to achieve high sensitivity (10^–12N) and high resolution of MFM.     

Magnetic properties of single biogenic magnetite nanoparticles

Biogenic magnetite nanoparticles (MNP) extracted from the magnetotactic bacterium Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1 have been systematically studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM). Isolated single MNP and chains of MNP were obtained from diluted MNP aqueous suspension dried on mica surfaces in a homogeneous in-plane magnetic field. The size of the MNP was determined by employing AFM tip deconvolution procedures. The obtained result has been confirmed by scanning electronic microscopy. Magnetic properties of isolated single MNP and chains of MNP in remanence and in the presence of external magnetic fields were investigated by MFM. In particular, the magnetization reversal of a two-particle chain has been revealed and the dipolar interaction between the MNP is estimated. The change in the magnetic contrast on application of an external magnetic field is consistent with the hysteresis curve obtained by cantilever magnetometry.     

Magnetic force microscopy of GaAs:Mn ferromagnetic semiconductors

The dependence of magnetic properties of GaAs:Mn and MnAs epitaxial films grown on GaAs (001) by laser ablation of Mn and undoped GaAs in a hydrogen atmosphere under the growth conditions has been studied by magnetic force microscopy (MFM). Magnetic probe calibration for quantitative MFM measurements was performed by scanning across the slit of the magnetic-head of a tape recorder through which controlled direct current was passed. The dipole approximation was used to describe the magnetic properties of the MFM probe. Nonuniformity of the magnetization of GaAs:Mn films related to the formation of MnAs nanoinclusions, which are ferromagnetic at 300 K, has been observed. The typical scales of the spatial nonuniformity of the magnetization of GaAs:Mn films were varied from 270 to 550 nm depending on the film-growth conditions. The MnAs phase was identified by MFM measurements at an elevated temperature (up to 80°N).