Multiscale micromagnetism of Co-Pd multilayers

Abstract

The interplay between atomic and micromagnetic effects in Co-Pd multilayers is investigated by model calculations and numerical simulations. By minimizing the total exchange energy, an effective exchange stiffness is obtained. The stiffness depends on the superlattice periodicity, on the wave vector of the magnetization variation, and on the exchange coupling through the Pd, which is calculated from first principles (J 7.66 mJ/m 2). The net magnetic anisotropy, K eff 0.71 MJ/m 3, which is also obtained from first principles, contains two parts, namely the Pd-Co interface anisotropy K if 0.45 mJ/m 2 and the bulk anisotropy K Co -0.28 MJ/m 3 of the strained fcc Co. For vertical and lateral magnetization variations, we find domain-wall thicknesses of 5.1 nm and 6.9 nm and domain-wall energies of 5.94 mJ/m 2 and 6.66 mJ/m 2, respectively. © 2012 American Institute of Physics.