Magnetic domains in nanostructured media studied with M-TXM

Abstract

Combining X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (X-MCD) with a transmission X-ray microscope (TXM) allows to image element-specifically magnetic domain structures with 25nm lateral resolution. Both in-plane and out-of-plane systems can be studied in applied magnetic fields. Thus field-dependent parameters, as individual nucleation fields in magnetic nanostructures can be deduced and related to morphology. Images of thermomagnetically written bits in magneto-optical TbFeCo media proof the reliability of the writing process and the importance of an exact thermal design of the systems. Domains observed at corresponding Co L edges proof the chemical sensitivity of M-TXM and its potential to image few monolayer systems.