Domain walls and domain wall resistivities in Co x Pd1−x (111) and Co x Pt1−x (111)

Abstract

In using the relativistic screened Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker method and a multi-scale approach based on a parametrization of the Ginzburg–Landau expansion of the free energy as a functional of the magnetization density, domain wall widths in Co x Pd1−x and Co x Pt1−x are determined by considering these substitutionally disordered alloys as two-dimensionally invariant systems. It is shown that in Co x Pd1−x , domains are formed nearly over the whole concentration range, while in Co x Pt1−x , domain wall formation only occurs near 50% Co and for Co-rich alloys. Based on these results resistivities in the presence and absence of domains walls are evaluated in terms of the relativistic Kubo–Greenwood equation. In contrast to Co x Ni1−x , it turns out that both systems are unsuitable as race track materials.