Abstract
We report the first proof-of-principle experiment of iterative phase retrieval from magnetic x-ray diffraction. By using the resonant x-ray excitation process and coherent x-ray scattering, we show that linearly polarized soft x rays can be used to image both the amplitude and the phase of magnetic domain structures. We recovered the magnetic structure of an amorphous terbium-cobalt thin film with a spatial resolution of about 75 nm at the Co edge at 778 eV. In comparison with soft x-ray microscopy images recorded with Fresnel zone plate optics at better than 25 nm spatial resolution, we find qualitative agreement in the observed magnetic structure.
- Received 22 March 2011
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.033904
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Published by the American Physical Society
Synopsis
Getting the “where” and “when” of magnetic nanostructures
Published 14 July 2011
Applying x-ray diffraction microscopy to magnetic systems yields simultaneous spatial and temporal information.
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