Magnetic Microstructure of Amorphous Alloys Studied Using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Polarization Analysis

Published

January 1, 1987

Author(s)

John Unguris, G Hembree, Robert Celotta, Daniel T. Pierce, C Aroca

Abstract

The recent development of scanning electron microscopy with polarization analysis (SEMPA) has made the direct measurement of magnetic structures with submicron spatial resolution possible. Because the secondary electron spin polarization is proportional to the magnetization in the area probed by the incident electron beam, the magnetization is measured directly, independent of topographic contrast. Topographic images are measured simultaneously, however, permitting comparisons between magnetic and structural properties. In addition the use of multiple, orthogonal detectors permits measurement of the magnetization magnitude and direction. We have recently used this technique to look at various Fe-rich amorphous ferromagnetic alloys. In particular SEMPA was used to examine the rotation of the magnetization within domain walls and to study changes in magnetic microstructure due to Ar ion bombardment and annealing.

Citation

Journal of Applied Physics

Volume

61

Issue

8

Pub Type

Journals

Citation

Unguris, J. , Hembree, G. , Celotta, R. , Pierce, D. and Aroca, C. (1987), Magnetic Microstructure of Amorphous Alloys Studied Using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Polarization Analysis, Journal of Applied Physics (Accessed October 23, 2025)