Imaging the in-plane magnetization in a Co microstructure by Fourier transform holography.

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Imaging magnetic microstructures is crucial for understanding magnetic phenomena.
• Existing techniques may have limitations in resolving fine magnetic domain details.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate Fourier transform holography for imaging in-plane magnetization.
• To investigate the magnetic domain structure of a specific cobalt element.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing Fourier transform holography with x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD).
• Recording transmission holograms at off-normal incidence.
• Employing a reference beam defined by a precisely milled hole.

Main Results:

• Successfully imaged the in-plane magnetization of a 2 μm × 2 μm × 20 nm cobalt element.
• Observed a multi-vortex magnetic domain state.
• The observed domain pattern deviates from the theoretical Landau ground state.

Conclusions:

• Fourier transform holography is effective for high-resolution magnetic imaging.
• The cobalt element exhibits a complex magnetic domain configuration.
• Experimental results provide insights into magnetic states beyond simple models.