Eur. Phys. J. B 23, 17-28 (2001)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s100510170078

Micromagnetic structure in multilayer films with moderate perpendicular anisotropy

¹ Laboratoire PMTM, Institut Galilée, Université Paris 13, 93430 Villetaneuse, France
² Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, CNRS - Université Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay, France

Corresponding author: ^a ml@lpmtm.univ-paris13.fr

Received: 12 January 2001
Revised: 15 May 2001
Published online: 15 September 2001

Abstract

Micromagnetic simulations have been performed in order to obtain deeper insight into the domain structures within multilayer films, as they are expected to differ from those of single films. These 2D calculations have been done in the case of multilayers exhibiting a moderate perpendicular anisotropy, with no indirect exchange coupling between the magnetic layers, where a "weak stripe" domain structure develops. First, these results are compared quantitatively to the very detailed experimental data available in the literature on the (Co/Au)_N system. More generally, the nucleation of a stripe pattern in multilayers is discussed as a function of the magnetic parameters and the number of magnetic layers in the stack. Compared to a single film, two main differences appear in the equilibrium domain period and the magnetization profiles. The physical origin of these effects is discussed.