Magnetic Domain Patterns Research Articles

Multiferroic Microstructure Created from Invariant Line Constraint

AbstractFerroic materials enable a multitude of emerging applications, and optimum functional properties are achieved when ferromagnetic and ferroelectric properties are coupled to a first‐order ferroelastic transition. In bulk materials, this first‐order transition involves an invariant habit plane, connecting coexisting phases: austenite and martensite. Theory predicts that this plane should converge to a line in thin films, but experimental evidence is missing. Here, the martensitic and magnetic microstructure of a freestanding epitaxial magnetic shape memory film is analyzed. It is shown that the martensite microstructure is determined by an invariant line constraint using lattice parameters of both phases as the only input. This line constraint explains most of the observable features, which differ fundamentally from bulk and constrained films. Furthermore, this finite‐size effect creates a remarkable checkerboard magnetic domain pattern through multiferroic coupling. The findings highlight the decisive role of finite‐size effects in multiferroics.

Procedure to reveal the mechanism of pattern formation process by topological data analysis

Topological data analysis (TDA) is a versatile tool that can be used to extract scientific knowledge from complex pattern formation processes. However, the physics correspondence between the features obtained from TDA and pattern dynamics does not agree one-to-one, and the physical interpretation of the TDA features needs to be set appropriately according to the phenomenon to be analyzed. In this study, we propose an analytical procedure to physically interpret pattern dynamics through TDA and machine learning techniques. The proposed procedure was applied to the process of magnetic domain pattern formation to quantify non-trivial domain pattern classifications and reveal the nature of the underlying dynamics. On the basis of these findings, we also propose a candidate reduction model to understand the nature of magnetic domain formation.

Coercivity limits in Nd-Fe-B hot-deformed magnets with ultrafine microstructure

In this work, we developed a series of anisotropic hot-deformed Nd-Fe-B magnets with ultrafine grain sizes varying from 125 nm to 234 nm in the lateral direction. Although grain refinement is known to increase the coercivity of magnets, all samples exhibited identical record high coercivity of 2 T. Microstructural analysis showed similar intergranular phase (IGP) composition and crystallographic texture, but an increased number of coarse and isotropic equiaxed grains in the flake boundary regions of the magnets with larger grain size. Although this could explain significant differences in the initial magnetization curves and magnetic domain patterns, the experimental data alone were not enough to identify the main factors limiting the coercivity. To elucidate these, a micromagnetic simulation was performed using a realistic 1:1 scale model. We showed that grain refinement below 200 nm has a limited potential for coercivity enhancement of hot-deformed Nd-Fe-B magnets unless the exchange interaction is weakened by reducing the magnetization of the IGP. Negative contributions to the coercivity from texture deterioration, coarse grains, and magnetostatic interaction were quantified for different values of IGP magnetization. A clear direction on how to further improve the coercivity of hot-deformed magnets was provided.

Detection of Nonuniformity in Parameters for Magnetic Domain Pattern Generation by Machine Learning

Detection of Nonuniformity in Parameters for Magnetic Domain Pattern Generation by Machine Learning

Synthesis of superhydrophobic carbon sphere by pyrolysis of heavy oil fraction of coal tar/ferrocene mixture and their magnetic nanostructure

This present work describes the ferrocene-catalyzed conversion of heavy oil fraction of coal tar to carbon sphere aggregate films in the form of necklace-like carbon spheres, carbon sphere‑carbon nanotube composite, and pomegranate-like carbon spheres by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Necklace-like carbon spheres exhibit hydrophobic surfaces, whereas pomegranate-like carbon spheres-CNT composites and pomegranate-like carbon spheres display superhydrophobic surfaces. The as-prepared hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces were carefully characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM) to confirm the effect of geometric carbon aggregates with thermally decomposed ferrocene (FeCp2) catalysts on their magnetic nanostructure. The surface chemistry as well as oxidation resistance was studied by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). FeCp2 catalyst concentration in the heavy oil fraction of coal tar was observed to have a direct correlation with morphology, disordered level of graphitic structure, magnetic domain pattern arrangement, and thermal oxidation resistance of as-produced carbon sphere aggregate.

Simulated Guidance in Interpreting Nano-Patterned Co70Fe30 Film Imaging with Differential Phase Contrast.

Our paper introduces a simulation-based framework designed to interpret differential phase contrast (DPC) magnetic imaging within the transmission electron microscope (TEM). We investigate patterned magnetic membranes, particularly focusing on nano-patterned Co70Fe30 thin-film membranes fabricated via focused ion beam (FIB) milling. Our direct magnetic imaging reveals regular magnetic domain patterns in these carefully prepared systems. Notably, the observed magnetic structure aligns precisely with micromagnetic simulations based on the dimensions of the underlying nanostructures. This agreement emphasizes the usefulness of micromagnetic simulations, not only for the interpretation of DPC data, but also for the prediction of possible microstructures in magnetic sensor systems with nano-patterns.

Development of Fabrication Techniques for Magneto-Optical Diffractive Deep Neural Networks

Magneto-optical diffractive deep neural network (MO-D <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> NN) is a type of diffractive deep neural network that utilizes the magneto-optical effect of magnetic materials. MO-D <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> NN is composed of magnetic material, which is non-volatile and allows neurons to be rewritten. In our work, we fabricated and evaluated MO-D <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> NN with 2 layers containing 100 × 100 magnetic domains with a domain size of 1 μm. Nd <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">0.5</sub> Bi <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2.5</sub> Fe <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">4</sub> GaO <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">12</sub> thin films were prepared on the both sides of a Gd <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sub> Ga <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">5</sub> O <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">12</sub> substrate and magnetic domain patterns were recorded using the magneto-optical recording technique. The recording accuracies of first and second layer were 79% and 70%, respectively. We believed that magneto-optical recording technology can achieve a recording accuracy of over 90% by optimizing the fabrication and recording conditions. The optical setup was built and handwritten digit classification was carried out using fabricated MO-D <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> NN, but the number of classifications was lower than in the case of simulation. We considered that recording errors were responsible for the low number of classifications and assessed the effect of recording errors on accuracy by simulation. When the recording error was lower than 10%, the loss in classification accuracy was found to be only ~3%. Therefore, we are convinced that MO-D <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> NN has high physical implementation potential.

Combined Funnel, Concentrator, and Particle Valve Functional Element for Magnetophoretic Bead Transport Based on Engineered Magnetic Domain Patterns.

Controlled actuation of superparamagnetic beads (SPBs) within a microfluidic environment using tailored dynamic magnetic field landscapes (MFLs) is a potent approach for the realization of point-of-care diagnostics within Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) systems. Making use of an engineered magnetic domain pattern as the MFL source, a functional LOC-element with combined magnetophoretic "funnel", concentrator, and "valve" functions for micron-sized SPBs is presented. A parallel-stripe domain pattern design with periodically decreasing/increasing stripe lengths is fabricated in a topographically flat continuous exchange biased (EB) thin film system by ion bombardment induced magnetic patterning (IBMP). It is demonstrated that, upon application of external magnetic field pulses, a fully reversible concentration of SPBs at the domain pattern's focal point occurs. In addition, it is shown that this functionality may be used as an SPB "funnel", allowing only a maximum number of particles to pass through the focal point. Adjusting the pulse time length, the focal point can be clogged up for incoming SPBs, resembling an on/off switchable particle "valve". The observations are supported by quantitative theoretical force considerations.

Electric field-controlled deterministic magnetization reversal in nanomagnet Fe3Si/PMN-PT multiferroic heterostructures

Pure electric field-controlled 180° magnetization switching plays a vital role in low-power magnetoelectric memory devices. Using micromagnetic simulation, we engineered a square-shaped epitaxial Fe3Si nanomagnet on a PMN-PT piezoelectric substrate to make the magnetic easy axis slightly deviate 18° from the piezostrain axis, aiming to break the symmetry of the magnetization distribution and achieve deterministic magnetization reversal paths. Under the coaction of a magnetic field and an electric field, the simulated magnetic hysteresis loops and magnetic domain patterns reveal a fourfold to twofold magnetic anisotropy transition and magnetization reversal paths. Stimulated by pure electric field-induced piezoelectric strain, deterministic 180° magnetization reversals are accomplished by the two successive clockwise 90° switching process. The results help to comprehend electrically regulated deterministic magnetization reversal and pave an avenue for designing multistate spintronics devices.

Magneto-optical diffraction of visible light as a probe of nanoscale displacement of domain walls at femtosecond timescales.

Using diffraction of femtosecond laser pulses of visible light by a magnetic domain pattern in an iron garnet, we demonstrate a proof of concept of time-resolved measurements of domain pattern movements with nanometer spatial and femtosecond temporal resolution. In this method, a femtosecond laser (pump) pulse initiates magnetization dynamics in a sample that is initially in a labyrinth domain state, while an equally short linearly polarized laser pulse (probe) is diffracted by the domain pattern. The components of the diffracted light that are polarized orthogonally to the incident light generate several concentric diffraction rings. Nanometer small changes in the relative sizes of domains with opposite magnetization result in observable changes in the intensities of the rings. We demonstrate that the signal-to-noise ratio is high enough to detect a 6nm domain wall displacement with 100fs temporal resolution using visible light. We also discuss possible artifacts, such as pump-induced changes of optical properties, that can affect the measurements.

Probing the photo induced micro actuation properties of optimized Cu doped Co-34at%-Ni-35at%-Al-31at% ferromagnetic shape memory alloys

The strange Photo induced micro actuation (PIMA) properties associated with Cu doped Co-Ni-Al Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloys (FSMA) has showed enhancement of mechanical properties in our early studies. This enhancement and optimized PIMA properties have opened a scope of various laser-controlled real engineering applications. In this study, we have explored the microstructural scaling and determined the evolved force due to the laser action in optimized Cu doped Co-Ni-Al alloy system with a detailed insight. This unique PIMA property is rare in literature and actual reason are still not explored. EBSD, TEM, AFM/MFM based techniques were further adopted to understand the role of microstructure in more detail. The evolved magnetic domain patterns for actuating and non-actuating alloys have been analyzed in details. Atomic Force Microscopy was adopted to estimate the constitutive mechanical properties of the thin alloy samples by mechanical spectrometry. This estimation was directly used to predict a general trend in force distribution pattern of the Cu-Co-Ni-Al alloys strips through FEM analysis. The crux of FEM based model and its simulated results can be applied for real time PIMA oriented engineering application and device manufacturing. The detail microstructural exploration and its effect in the PIMA response along with generalized deflection-force model have been presented in the current study.

Total variation regularized phase retrieval algorithm for diffraction imaging analysis of magnetic domain patterns

Total variation regularized phase retrieval algorithm for diffraction imaging analysis of magnetic domain patterns

Tunable Magnetic Domain Patterns in Thickness-Gradient Nickel Films on Flexible PDMS Substrates.

Flexible magnetoelectronic devices (based on magnetic films) have great application prospects in the fields of information storages, bionic robotics, and electronic skins. The intrinsic stress and external loading are very important to modulate the structures and properties of flexible magnetic films due to the magnetoelastic coupling effect. Here, we report on tunable magnetic domain patterns in thickness-gradient nickel (Ni) films deposited on flexible polydimethylsiloxane substrates. It is found that stripe magnetic domains spontaneously form in the Ni films and their sizes increase with the film thickness. The internal stress evolves from tensile to compressive states with decreasing film thickness, leading to the formation of cracks in thicker regions and wrinkles in thinner regions. Meanwhile, the orientations of stripe magnetic domains change from the gradient direction to the orthogonal direction. The structural features, evolution behaviors, and physical mechanisms of the cracks, wrinkles, and magnetic domains are analyzed based on the stress theory and magnetoelastic coupling. Periodic gradient Ni films with large-scale regulations of stripe magnetic domains are also realized by masking of copper grids. This study helps to better understand the magnetoelastic coupling effect in gradient flexible magnetic films and provides a technique to modulate anisotropic magnetic properties by designing specific film systems.

Observation of Magnetic Domains in Amorphous Magnetic Wires with a Diameter of 10 μm Used in GSR Sensors.

The core of a Gigahertz Spin Rotation (GSR) sensor, a compact and highly sensitive magnetic sensor, is composed of Co-Fe-based amorphous magnetic wire with a diameter of 10 μm. Observations of the magnetic domain structure showed that this magnetic wire has unusual magnetic noise characteristics. Bamboo-shaped magnetic domains a few hundred micrometers in width were observed to form inside the wire, and smaller domains a few micrometers across were observed to form inside these larger domains. The magnetic domain pattern changed abruptly when an external magnetic field was applied to the wire. Herein is shown how these changes may be a source of magnetic noise in the wire.

Effect of intense x-ray free-electron laser transient gratings on the magnetic domain structure of Tm:YIG

In ferromagnets, domain patterns can be controlled globally using magnetic fields or spin-polarized currents. In contrast, the local control of the magnetization on the nanometer length scale remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate how magnetic domain patterns in a Tm-doped yttrium iron garnet (Tm:YIG) thin film with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy can be permanently and locally imprinted by high intensity photon pulses of a hard x-ray transient grating (XTG). Micromagnetic simulations provide a qualitative understanding of the observed changes in the orientation of magnetic domains in Tm:YIG and XTG-induced changes. The presented results offer a route for the local manipulation of the magnetic state using hard XTG.

Finite image size effects on the characterization of magnetic domain patterns via magnetic force microscopy

Optimizing magnetic thin films for nanotechnologies often requires imaging nanoscale magnetic domain patterns via magnetic microscopy. The finite size of the image may however significantly affect the characterization of the observed magnetic states. We evaluated finite image size effects on the characterization of a variety of stripe and bubble domain patterns exhibited by ferromagnetic Co/Pt multilayers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, where the domain size (stripe width and bubble diameter) is around 100 nm. If the image size is too small, below ∼5 μm, it may cause a significant underestimation of average domain size and overestimation of domain density by up to a factor 5 when reducing the image size from about 20 μm to about a 1 μm. Using a criterion based on how the excess density evolves with image size, we found that to obtain reliable statistical estimates of domain density and average domain size, the image needs to be large enough, and include at least about 100 stripes or about 2500 bubbles.

Magnetic properties deterioration of non-oriented steel due to laser cutting

In the manufacturing process of electrical machines, laser cutting is widely used to produce the laminations of cores. The internal stresses introduced by the high-energy laser beam will lead to deterioration in the magnetic properties of the non-oriented silicon steels. To accurately predict the core losses of the electrical machines, it is important to analyze the deterioration degree and the deterioration mechanism of the non-oriented steel sheets caused by laser cutting. In this paper, first, the local magnetic properties of the non-oriented steel 35WW250 at different positions are measured under the alternating sinusoidal excitation, in which the degradation degree is evaluated based on the core loss from the macroscopic perspective. Second, from the microscopic perspective, the observed magnetic domain patterns at the edge and those evolutions under the excitation of the magnetic field are investigated. The experimental results demonstrate that laser cutting can lead to the magnetic degradation of the non-oriented steels with a transverse depth of 18 mm from the edge. Moreover, the laser cutting process leads to significant variations in the patterns of the magnetic domains at different positions. The magneto-optical observation and local magnetic measurement verified the effectiveness of the analytical method, which is of great significance for the evaluation and improvement of the processing technique of the silicon steels.

Temperature-dependent Scaling Behavior of Magnetic Hysteresis Loop of CoFeB/Pd Multilayer Film

We report our experimental investigation on the temperature-dependent hysteresis loops and magnetic domain behaviors of CoFeB (0.4 nm)/Pd (1 nm) multilayer on polyimide substrate with a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, by means of magneto-optical Kerr microscopy. Hysteresis characteristics such as saturation magnetization, coercivity, and hysteresis loop area with respect to the temperature have been analyzed, where powerlaw scaling behaviors are observed with microscopic magnetic domain patterns mediated by numerous nucleation sites.

Symmetry-dependent ultrafast manipulation of nanoscale magnetic domains

Femtosecond optical pumping of magnetic materials has been used to achieve ultrafast switching and recently to nucleate symmetry-broken magnetic states. However, when the magnetic order parameter already presents a broken-symmetry state, such as a domain pattern, the dynamics are poorly understood and consensus remains elusive. Here, we resolve the controversies in the literature by studying the ultrafast response of magnetic domain patterns with varying degrees of translation symmetry with ultrafast x-ray resonant scattering. A data analysis technique is introduced to disentangle the isotropic and anisotropic components of the x-ray scattering. We find that the scattered intensity exhibits a radial shift restricted to the isotropic component, indicating that the far-from-equilibrium magnetization dynamics are intrinsically related to the spatial features of the domain pattern. Our results suggest alternative pathways for the spatiotemporal manipulation of magnetism via far-from-equilibrium dynamics and by carefully tuning the ground-state magnetic textures.6 MoreReceived 8 July 2022Revised 25 November 2022Accepted 29 November 2022DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.106.224424©2022 American Physical SocietyPhysics Subject Headings (PhySH)Research AreasMagnetic domainsMagnetismUltrafast demagnetizationUltrafast magnetization dynamicsTechniquesCoherent X-ray scatteringUltrafast femtosecond pump probeAccelerators & BeamsNonlinear DynamicsCondensed Matter, Materials & Applied Physics

Interface change of Pr-Fe-B thin films with different ferromagnetic compositions

The thin film structure of the Si3N4/Pr-Fe-B/Si3N4/glass substrate was fabricated by the sputtering process followed by an in-situ annealing process at 650 °C. The changes at the interface of magnetic layer/underlayer were investigated with simultaneous addition of Fe content in the range of 68.9 to 76.61 at.% during the sputtering process. With ferromagnetic properties and more reactive and movable capacity of Fe, the addition of Fe created significant changes in the crystal structure, surface morphology, microstructure, and magnetic properties in Pr-Fe-B thin films. X-ray diffraction results confirmed the presence of two Pr2Fe14B and Pr2Fe23B3 magnetic phases in the thin films. The surface morphology of the thin films observed through SEM pictures and AFM images showed the blossom phenomenon with various grain sizes and surface roughness, respectively. The microstructure of the thin films through HR-TEM pictures revealed the discernable change at the interface of the Pr-Fe-B layer/Si3N4 underlayer. The new Fe3Si underlayer formed different thicknesses at the interface corresponding to various Fe contents. The stacking of (100) and (010) planes of Pr2Fe14B phase with different d-spacings was observed at higher magnification of HR-TEM. Results of magnetic measurement showed that the thin film at 73.32 at.% Fe content had the better growth potential of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) and obtained a higher coercivity of approximately 4.5 kOe. MFM images through magnetic domain observation showed that the thin films had the same magnetic domain pattern but varied in magnetic domain size. Analysis of saturation magnetization and effective uniaxial anisotropy of the thin films showed the contribution of the interface magnetic anisotropy (to the PMA with the value of Ki = 122.25 × 106 erg/m2.