Magnetization reversal in (0 0 1)Fe thin films studied by combining domain images and MOKE hysteresis loops

• Published in: Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials Vol. 210; no. 1; pp. 309 - 315
• Main Authors: Yan, Shi-shen, Schreiber, R, Grünberg, P, Schäfer, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.02.2000; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Exact sciences and technology; Magnetic domains; Magnetic properties and materials; Magnetic properties of monolayers and thin films; Magnetic properties of surface, thin films and multilayers; Magnetic thin films; Magnetization reversal; Metals. Metallurgy; MOKE hysteresis loops; Physics; Pinning energy; Second-order magneto-optic effect; 75.60.Ch; Magnetization reversal; Second-order magneto-optic effect; Magnetic domains; 75.70.−i; Pinning energy; 75.60.−d; MOKE hysteresis loops; Magnetic thin films; Thin films; Monocrystals; Magnetization; BCC lattices; Kerr magneto-optical effect; Magnetic hysteresis; Iron; Domain wall motion; Wall pinning; Experimental study
• ISSN: 0304-8853
• DOI: 10.1016/S0304-8853(99)00761-1

The magnetization reversal of epitaxial single-crystal Fe films has been studied by combining domain images and hysteresis loops. The reversal is quantitatively described by combining the coherent rotation model and the domain wall displacement model. The pinning energy exerted on the domain walls and the domain wall angle at the switching fields are obtained by fitting this model to experimental hysteresis loops. The field-dependent pinning energy and the domain wall angle in the reversal process, and the contributions of second-order magneto-optic effect to hysteresis loops, are revealed to be two important features of single-crystal Fe films.