Abstract
Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (LTEM) was used to characterize the domain structure and the magnetization reversal process of Ni80Fe20 and Co films fabricated using magnetron sputtering. In-situ magnetizing experiments were performed in Fresnel imaging mode, while a long camera length mode ("reverse mode") was employed for Foucault imaging. At low fields, magnetization ripple in the Co films showed higher magnetic contrast and angular distribution than in the NiFe films, which was due to the high anisotropy of Co. The NiFe films reversed via rapid wall motion while the Co films reversed mainly via slow moment rotation followed by wall motion. It is confirmed that domain wall mobility in the NiFe films is higher than that in the Co films. Profound columnar texture of the Co films observed in conventional transmission electron microscopy may enhance wall pinning and thus hinder wall mobility.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 4891-4896 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Japanese Journal of Applied Physics |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2001 |
Keywords
- Domain imaging
- In-situ magnetizing experiment
- Lorentz transmission electron microscopy
- Magnetic domain
- Magnetic thin film
- Magnetization reversal
- Sputter deposition
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Engineering
- General Physics and Astronomy