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Title:
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Asymmetric domain nucleation and unusual magnetization reversal in ultrathin Co films with perpendicular anisotropy |
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Author:
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Iunin, Y.L.; Kabanov, Y.P.; Nikitenko, V.I.; Cheng, X.M.; Clarke, D.; Tretiakov, O.A.; Tchernyshyov, O.; Shapiro, A.J.; Shull, R.D.; Chien, C.L. |
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Abstract:
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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. |
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URI:
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http://jhir.library.jhu.edu/handle/1774.2/33761
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Date:
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2007-03-16 |
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Citation:
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Physical Review Letters 16 March 2007, vol.98, no.11, pp. 117204/1-4
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Subject:
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perpendicular anisotropy
unusual magnetization reversal
ultrathin Co films
asymmetric domain nucleation
magnetic thin films
magnetic multilayers
asymmetrical nucleation centers
magnetic force microscopy
Kerr magneto-optical effect
cobalt
magnetic domains
domain-wall mobility
Co-Pt
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