Quantitative imaging of the magnetic configuration of modulated nanostructures by electron holography


Quantitative imaging of the magnetic configuration of modulated nanostructures by electron holography

Körner, M.; Röder, F.; Lenz, K.; Fritzsche, M.; Lindner, J.; Lichte, H.; Fassbender, J.

Regarding magnetic nanostructures, dipolar stray fields start to evolve with ongoing miniaturization, that grossly alter the magnetic properties. Besides, these fields play an important role in spinwave dynamics of periodic nanostructures like magnonic crystals.
Hence, a detailed knowledge of the magnetic configuration under geometric confinements on the nanoscale is mandatory.
We present a study of the magnetic fields arising from thin Permalloy films deposited on periodically modulated surfaces (ripples).
These ripples were prepared using a self-organized ion beam erosion process generating modulations on the nanoscale.
Cross-sectional transmission electron holography nowadays offers the necessary sensitivity and nanoscale lateral resolution to probe the magnetic configuration of such rippled films quantitatively.
The imaging allows for an absolute analysis of the local magnetization inside the film as well as the accompanying stray fields outside.
In addition, the evolving stray fields above the sample's surface were investigated by magnetic force microscopy.

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Publ.-Id: 19142