Twisted spin configurations in thin magnetic layers with interface anisotropy

Abstract

We use a micromagnetic approach to calculate the magnetization distribution in a ferromagnetic thin film in the presence of an interface anisotropy competing with the shape anisotropy. The parameters of the calculation are the magnitude of the magnetization, the exchange constant, the interface anisotropy and the film thickness. We find that the magnetization is non-uniform (twisted) in a parameter range that we determine. We calculate the effect of the twist on the magnetization curves. We discuss the importance of taking into account the magnetization twist for the interpretation of the magnetic properties.