MAGNETIC DOMAIN-STRUCTURES IN ULTRATHIN CO/AU(111) - ON THE INFLUENCE OF FILM MORPHOLOGY

The magnetic domain structures in thin hcp Co films grown on Au(111) have been investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy with polarization analysis. The domain pattern in films with out-of-plane magnetization were analyzed in the as-grown state and after annealing. The heat treatment causes the morphology and the magnetic microstructure to change drastically. The films become smoother and the domain pattern exhibits a characteristic thickness dependence. A collapse of the domain size near the reorientation transition is found, consistent with micromagnetic theory.