Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A, Vol.17, No.4, 1331-1334, 1999
Reversal behavior in a bimodal magneto-optical medium
Bimodal magnetic behavior, in which Kerr rotation (theta(K)), and ellipticity (epsilon(K)) each exhibit major magneto-optic hysteresis loops with two distinct field-dependent steps, was encountered in a (0.3 nm Co/1.2 nm Pt)(15) multilayer film with perpendicular magnetization. A model is postulated in which there are two different interacting magnetic entities present in the layered structure of this material, each with a stable perpendicular magnetization state either parallel or antiparallel to the applied field, and which reverse quasi-independently from one another. Due to interactions between the two, the reversals occur at the intrinsic coercivities displaced by an interaction field, H-i, whose sign depends upon the magnetization of the other phase. Using major loop and,first-order reversal measurements, the intrinsic coercivities, as well as H-i, were obtained.
Keywords:BEAM-EPITAXIAL-GROWTH;THIN-FILMS;MAGNETIZATION REVERSAL;111AXES;MULTILAYERS;ANISOTROPY;KERR