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Magneto-Optical Indicator Film (MOIF) Microscopy of Granular and Layer Structures (Abstract)

Published

Author(s)

Valerian I. Nikitenko, V S. Gornakov, L M. Dedukh, A F. Khapikov, Lawrence H. Bennett, Robert D. McMichael, L Swartzendruber, Alexander J. Shapiro, Michael J. Donahue, V N. Matveev, V I. Levashov

Abstract

We report on the possibilities of application of magneto-optical indicator film (MOIF) technique for visualization and direct experimental study in real time of the magnetization processes and nondestructive characterization of the quality of magnetic thin granular films and multilayers. The technique utilizes a transparent indicatior film, a Bi-substituted iron garnet with in-plane anisotropy, placed on the top of a sample. Polarized light passes through the indicator film and is reflected back by an Al underlayer. Magnetic stray fields with a component perpendicular to the film plane are observed through the magneto-optic Faraday effect created in the garnet film. An investigation of the magnetic moment distribution in granular single films and multilayers was carried out using this method. Some examples of magnetic stray field images of domain walls of different types obtained by MOIF technique and magnetic force microscopy are described. The experimental data are compared with theoretical estimations. The detailed information is obtained on the spin rotation processes as well as on the domain wall nucleation and motion during the remagnetization of these materials. Peculiarieties of the magnetization reversal of multilayers with different types of exchange interlayer coupling have been revealed and discussed.
Citation
Journal of Applied Physics
Volume
79
Issue
No. 8

Keywords

Magneto-optical indicator

Citation

Nikitenko, V. , Gornakov, V. , Dedukh, L. , Khapikov, A. , Bennett, L. , McMichael, R. , Swartzendruber, L. , Shapiro, A. , Donahue, M. , Matveev, V. and Levashov, V. (1996), Magneto-Optical Indicator Film (MOIF) Microscopy of Granular and Layer Structures (Abstract), Journal of Applied Physics (Accessed March 28, 2024)
Created April 1, 1996, Updated February 17, 2017