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Critical behavior of zero-field magnetic fluctuations in perpendicularly magnetized thin films

A. L. Balk, M. D. Stiles, and J. Unguris
Phys. Rev. B 90, 184404 – Published 4 November 2014
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Abstract

We use video-rate magneto-optical Kerr effect microscopy to study zero-field magnetic fluctuations in a perpendicularly magnetized cobalt film at room temperature, prepared near a spin reorientation transition. Globally, the film has zero net moment but local areas continually undergo thermal magnetic fluctuations between saturated states. Position resolved hysteresis loops show the fluctuations occur at sample locations close to the spin reorientation transition. Furthermore, nearby fluctuations interact magnetostatically, acting to maintain the overall zero net magnetization. The measured scaling exponent of the fluctuation areas τ is consistent with 4/3.

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  • Received 11 September 2014
  • Revised 9 October 2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.90.184404

©2014 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

A. L. Balk1,2,*, M. D. Stiles1, and J. Unguris1

  • 1Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
  • 2Maryland Nanocenter, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA

  • *andrew.balk@nist.gov

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Issue

Vol. 90, Iss. 18 — 1 November 2014

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