Giant modulation of the magnetic domain size induced by an electric field

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that applying an electric field to a Pt/Co system significantly alters magnetic domain sizes by increasing exchange stiffness and Curie temperature, aligning with theoretical predictions.

Contribution

It reveals a giant electric field-induced modulation of magnetic domain size through changes in exchange stiffness and Curie temperature.

Findings

Electric field significantly modifies maze domain width.

Exchange stiffness increases due to electron accumulation at the surface.

Results align with recent theoretical predictions.

Abstract

The electric field (EF) effect on the magnetic domain structure of a Pt/Co system was studied, where an EF was applied to the top surface of the Co layer. The width of the maze domain was significantly modified by the application of the EF at a temperature slightly below the Curie temperature. After a detailed analysis, a change in the exchange stiffness induced by the EF application was suggested to dominate the modulation of the domain width observed in the experiment. The accumulation of electrons at the surface of the Co layer resulted in an increase of the exchange stiffness and the Curie temperature. The result was consistent with the recent theoretical prediction.