Magnetic domain structure in ultrathin Au/Co/Au films grown on vicinal sapphire substrates

Abstract Study of magnetic domain structures and magnetization reversal of Au/Co/Au films grown on vicinal sapphire substrates with different miscut angles is reported. Changes of domain structure geometry were registered in a wide Co-thickness range. By tailoring the Co thickness range out-of-plane magnetization states and thickness-driven domain wall reorientation were found in the sample grown on a 5 ∘ -miscut substrate. It is shown that the domain wall orientation can be changed by magnetic anisotropy tuned by matching miscut angle and Co thickness.