Vortex dynamics

Abstract

In this Chapter we will report on progress that has been made in recent years in the investigation of magnetization dynamics in confined magnetic structures of micrometer size. Emphasis is laid on two issues: 1. on time-resolved microscopy of the dynamic mode structure of small ferromagnetic elements and 2. the investigation of magnetic elements in a domain state. We will restrict ourselves to two simple domain states, the magnetic vortex state of thin ferromagnetic disks and the Landau configuration in flat ferromagnetic squares. Both states may be summarized as flux-closure states. The topology of these micromagnetic configurations brings the magnetic vortex at the center of the elements naturally into play. © Springer-Verlag Berlin/Heidelberg 2006.