Dynamics of Nanostructured Magnetic Objects using X-ray Microscopy

• Applicant: Dr. Jörg Raabe
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2004 to 2005
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5432177

We propose to study the magnetization dynamics of microstructured magnetic particles using X-ray microscopy (Photoemission electron microscopy) at the SIM beamline of the Swiss Light Source. This experiment will provide insight about the quantized excitation modes of small magnetic particles with "less than" 50 ps temporal and "less than" 100 nm spatial resolution. Microstructured magnetic particles differ completely from both larger macroscopic, and from smaller superparamagnetic objects. Their static domain pattern can be tailored by variation of the geometrical shape and size, and their excitations are quantized modes showing a rich variety. Such particles are both a challenge to condensed matter theory and of great interest in magnetic data storage. The goal of the proposed project will be studies of the dynamics of ferromagnetic microstructures. At first the focus will be on the topology and damping of magnetic modes excited by ultra-fast magnetic field pulses. Later we will investigate the domain reversal process attempting to minimize the switching rate and the necessary switching fields. The SIM beamline at the Swiss Light Source is an ideal facility for such experiments. It will allow to go far beyond present lab-based experiments by providing a factor of 3-5 better spatial resolution and by adding the chemical sensitivity necessary to study the relevant multilayer systems.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: Switzerland