Study of the branching domain structures in epitaxial films of yttrium iron garnet by end face magnetic force microscopy

Abstract

The distribution of the magnetization vector on the free surface and end (cleaved facet) of thick epitaxial yttrium iron garnet films has been studied by the scanning magnetic-force microscopy method. Volume fractal-like branching of the domain structure has been found at the interface of the film and the free space with the refinement of the formed partial branches of the stripe (labyrinth) domains. Triangular closing domains have been observed at the interface between the film and the substrate. Direct experimental proof of the existence of the static horizontal Bloch lines within the stripe domain walls has been obtained.