Switching probabilities of magnetic vortex core reversal studied by table top magneto optic Kerr microscopy

Abstract

We have studied vortex core reversal in a single submicron Permalloy disk by polar Kerr microscopy. A sophisticated lock-in-technique based on repetitive switching of the magnetic vortex core and a continuous calibration allows for a reliable determination of the switching probability. This highly sensitive method facilitates the detection of a change in the magnetic moment of the tiny magnetic vortex core which is about 1.5 × 10−17 A m2. We have investigated vortex core switching caused by excitation of the vortex core gyromode with varying frequencies and amplitudes. The frequency range in which switching occurs was found to broaden with increasing excitation amplitude, whereby the highest frequency in this range shifts stronger to higher frequencies than the lowest frequency to lower frequencies. The experimental results are in good agreement with micromagnetic simulations.