Strain Anisotropy and Magnetic Domains in Embedded Nanomagnets


Strain Anisotropy and Magnetic Domains in Embedded Nanomagnets

Nord, M.; Semisalova, A.; Kákay, A.; Hlawacek, G.; Maclaren, I.; Liersch, V.; Volkov, O.; Makarov, D.; Paterson, G. W.; Potzger, K.; Lindner, J.; Faßbender, J.; Mcgrouther, D.; Bali, R.

Nanoscale modifications of strain and magnetic anisotropy can open pathways to engineering magnetic domains for device applications. A periodic magnetic domain structure can be stabilized in sub-200 nm wide linear as well as curved magnets, embedded within a flat non-ferromagnetic thin film. The nanomagnets are produced within a non-ferromagnetic B2-ordered Fe60Al40 thin film, where local irradiation by a focused ion beam causes the formation of disordered and strongly ferromagnetic regions of A2 Fe60Al40. An anisotropic lattice relaxation is observed, such that the in-plane lattice parameter is larger when measured parallel to the magnet short-axis as compared to its length. This in-plane structural anisotropy manifests a magnetic anisotropy contribution, generating an easy-axis parallel to the short axis. The competing effect of the strain and shape anisotropies stabilizes a periodic domain pattern, in linear as well as spiral nanomagnets, providing a versatile and geometrically controllable path to engineering the strain and thereby the magnetic anisotropy at the nanoscale.

Keywords: embedded nanomagnets; curved magnets; strain anisotropy; ion-induced patterning; magnetic domains

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Publ.-Id: 29690