Abstract
The magnetic domain structures in ultrathin fcc cobalt films, epitaxially grown on Cu(100), have been investigated by means of a scanning electron microscope with spin polarization analysis of the secondary electrons. In the ‘as-grown’ state the films show a single domain configuration with small oppositely magnetized edge domains. Demagnetization of the films creates multidomain structures. In all films, ranging from 3 to 19.5 monolayer thickness, qualitatively the same domain structure has been found with the {110} directions as the easy axes of magnetization. The domain boundaries exhibit an irregular shape which is explained by a decreasing magnetostatic energy contribution to the Néel wall energy. Large domains with lateral extensions of some hundred microns dominate. A coinciding second phase with considerably smaller domains has been found occasionally in the films.
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