Quantitative analysis of magnetic excitations in Landau flux-closure structures using synchrotron-radiation microscopy

We have measured the excitation spectrum of six micron magnetic squares using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. We observe all three excitations expected in a Landau flux-closure pattern. High temporal and spatial resolution allows quantitative analysis of the excitations. A short magnetic in plane pulse excites the magnetic element and we observe precessional motion of the magnetization within the domains as well as a domain wall mode and vortex motion. The vortex moves perpendicular to the excitation field and relaxes without showing a circulating orbit.