Study of magnetization reversal processes in a thin Co film

Abstract

The magnetization reversal has been studied both along the easy- and hard- axes for an in plane magnetized thin Cobalt film using magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) microscope. We observe that magnetization reversal is governed by domain wall motion accompanied by nucleation when measured along the easy axis. However coherent rotation is observed during magnetization reversal when measured along the hard axis. The relaxation of magnetization in constant dc magnetic field measured along the easy axis shows exponential behaviour which according to Fatuzzo–Labrune model indicates domain nucleated dominant process. Domain wall velocity plotted as a function of constant dc magnetic field shows creep and slide regime from which the depinning transition was extracted.