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Updated: Jan 9, 2026
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Optimizing Magnetic Force Microscopy Resolution and Sensitivity to Visualize Nanoscale Magnetic Domains
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Two-dimensional gradients in magnetic properties created with direct-write laser annealing
Lauren J Riddiford1,2, Jeffrey A Brock3,4,5, Katarzyna Murawska6,7
1Laboratory for Mesoscopic Systems, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. lauren.riddiford@psi.ch.
Nature Communications
|December 9, 2025
Summary
Researchers created two-dimensional (2D) material property gradients for novel magnetic devices. This breakthrough enables new functionalities like spin wave filters and domain wall manipulation, advancing future technologies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Engineered local variations in material properties are key to future technologies.
- One-dimensional (1D) gradients in thin-film magnetic systems offer new effects.
- Experimentally realizing two-dimensional (2D) gradient-induced behaviors has been challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the creation of 2D complex patterns with continuous material property variations.
- To explore novel magnetic functionalities enabled by these 2D gradients.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of mesoscopic 2D patterns with continuous variations in magnetic anisotropy, interlayer exchange coupling, and ferrimagnetic compensation.
- Utilizing application-relevant magnetic materials.
Main Results:
- Successful creation of 2D complex patterns with continuous material property gradients.
- Demonstration of novel magnetic functionalities, including a spin wave band pass filter.
- Development of an architecture for passively resetting magnetic domain wall position.
Conclusions:
- 2D gradients in thin-film properties open new avenues for physics and device applications.
- This work overcomes previous experimental challenges in realizing 2D gradient systems.
- The demonstrated functionalities showcase the potential for advanced magnetic devices.
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