Easy axis magnetization reversal in cobalt antidot arrays

Abstract

The magnetization reversal in square lattice cobalt antidot arrays with the applied field at 45° to the antidot rows was investigated using Lorentz electron microscopy in the Fresnel mode. While the hysteresis loops from magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements only reflect the easy axis character of the reversal, several different reversal processes were identified in the Fresnel images depending on the field history. Details of this complex magnetization reversal were elucidated with micromagnetic simulations. © 2008 American Institute of Physics.