Effect of planar anisotropy in vortex configuration of micro-scale disks

Abstract

The magnetic configuration of micron-sized Co60Fe40 and Permalloy disks was investigated using micromagnetic simulations and magnetic force microscopy (MFM) measurements. By comparing both materials, it is possible to elucidate the effect of the planar magnetocrystaline anisotropy in the stability of the magnetic vortex configuration. The results for disks with diameters between 0.5 and 8 􀁐m showed that the magnetic anisotropy favors spins alignment and domains division, reducing vortex stability. Different magnetic configurations was observed for each disk diameter. Additionally, a statistical analysis of the magnetic configuration distribution experimentally observed by MFM was performed and compared with the simulation results.