Frustration Driven Stripe Domain Formation in Co/Pt Multilayer Films

TL;DR

This study uncovers how residual domains from prior magnetic states influence stripe domain formation and magnetization reversal in Co/Pt multilayers, revealing a microscopic mechanism behind unusual magnetic behaviors.

Contribution

It introduces the role of unannihilated residual domains in causing distinct stripe domain patterns and reversal behaviors in Co/Pt multilayer films.

Findings

Residual domains cause fragmented stripe patterns.

Different reversal behaviors depend on prior magnetic history.

Unanalyzed microscopic mechanisms explain unusual reversal curves.

Abstract

We report microscopic mechanisms for an unusual magnetization reversal behavior in Co/Pt multilayers where some of the first-order reversal curves protrude outside of the major loop. Transmission x-ray microscopy reveals a fragmented stripe domain topography when the magnetic field is reversed prior to saturation, in contrast to an interconnected pattern when reversing from a saturated state. The different domain nucleation and propagation behaviors are due to unannihilated domains from the prior field sweep. These residual domains contribute to random dipole fields that impede the subsequent domain growth and prevent domains from growing as closely together as for the interconnected pattern.