Head-to-head domain-wall phase diagram in mesoscopic ring magnets

The nanoscale spin structure of head-to-head domain walls in mesoscopic ferromagnetic rings has been studied by high-resolution nonintrusive photoemission electron microscopy as a function of both ring width (100-730 nm) and film thickness (2-38 nm). Depending on the geometry, two types of head-to-head domain walls are found (vortex and transverse walls). The experimental phase diagram, which identifies the transition between the wall types, is compared to analytical calculations of the energy and micromagnetic simulations, which are found to agree well with the experimental results. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.