X-ray magnetic circular dichroism used to image magnetic domains

Abstract

A new technique to image magnetic domain structures has been established by the combination of the high resolution transmission X-ray microscope (TXM) at BESSY I based on the zone plate technique with the X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (X-MCD) providing a huge magnetic contrast. A lateral spatial resolution down to 30 nm could be achieved. Basic features of X-MCD are the inherent element-specificity and the potential to gain information on the local spin and orbital moments of the absorbing species applying magneto-optical sum rules. Key results at the Fe L3,2 edges of Fe in a layered GdFe system and at the Co L3 edge of a PtCo layered system demonstrate the potential of this microscopy. The images can be recorded in varying magnetic fields which allows to study the evolution of magnetic domains within a complete hysteresis loop.