Spin-resolved magnetic studies of BCT Fe/Mn/BCT Fe(100)/FCC Pd(100) films using scanning ion microscopy with polarization analysis

Abstract We report on spin-resolved magnetic studies of wedge-shaped, epitaxial BCT Fe/Mn/BCT Fe(1 0 0)/FCC Pd(1 0 0) films by using scanning ion microscopy with polarization analysis (SIMPA) and magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). SIMPA is used to perform in situ spin-resolved magnetic domain imaging, and MOKE is utilized to study magnetic hysteresis loops. Fe/Mn/Fe films are deposited on well-prepared, atomically flat Pd(1 0 0) substrates. Medium energy electron diffraction (MEED) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) are used for detailed studies of growth modes, surface and interface structures. Various non-uniform, curling domain and domain wall structures, which are strongly affected by canted magnetic couplings, are found.