Magnetization reversal in patterned structures using off-specular polarized neutron scattering

Polarized neutron reflectometry with neutron spin analysis is used to investigate the magnetic properties of large arrays of ferromagnetic rectangular Co bars with in-plane magnetization, as well as exchange-biased Co/CoO islands. The off-specular neutron scattering signal contains satellite peaks due to the lateral periodicity of the dot array. Using polarized neutrons, the intensity of the satellite peaks is measured as a function of an external magnetic field applied in the sample plane. Spin analysis of the scattered neutrons reveals the magnetization reversal and saturation within the bars.