Abstract
We study the energy and creep velocity of magnetic domain walls in perpendicularly magnetised Pt/Co/Ir thin films under strain. We find that the enhancement of domain wall creep velocity under strain from piezoelectric transducers is largest in films with the thinnest Co layers (0.56 nm), in which the strain causes the smallest relative change in perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and the largest relative change in domain wall creep velocity. We show how domain wall energy is predictive of the sensitivity of domain wall creep velocity to changes in strain, and thus provide a route to designing magnetic thin film systems for optimum strain control.
Highlights
The application of strain to a magnetostrictive ferromagnet gives a degree of control over the magnetic anisotropy energy of the material
We show that by knowing the energy of magnetic domain walls, we can better understand the velocity changes in Pt/Co/Ir thin films tuned by Co thickness and strain from a piezoelectric material
We investigated the effect of strain on the domain wall energy and creep velocity using piezoelectric transducers
Summary
The application of strain to a magnetostrictive ferromagnet gives a degree of control over the magnetic anisotropy energy of the material. In recent years there has been interest in controlling perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in thin films via strain from a piezoelectric material [1,2,3,4] and we have previously demonstrated control over the creep velocity of domain walls using strain in Pt/Co/Pt thin films [5]. We study the balance of anisotropy and exchange energy terms by investigating how the magnetic domain wall energy is affected by both magnetic layer thickness and externally applied strain in Pt/Co/Ir thin films. We use strain from a piezoelectric transducer to modify the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy of Pt/Co/Ir thin films with a range of Co thicknesses.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
