Magnetization reversal of Co/Pd bit patterned media

Abstract

Co/Pd multilayer, which demonstrates high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy with good squareness is one of the most favorable magnetic materials for bit patterned media (BPM). One of the critical issues for BPM in ultra-high recoding density is that the switching field distribution (SFD) needs to be narrow enough to secure exact addressability of individual predefined bits without overwriting adjacent bits. The motivation for this work is rooted in understanding of the specifics of magnetization reversal and the source of SFD in BPM. We successful observed magnetization reversal of individual Co/Pd islands through MFM. Intrinsic SFD is calculated by removing dipolar interactions. Magnetization reversal and SFD of Co/Pd based BPM is systemically investigated by experimental, formula calculation, and micromagnetic simulation. We found Dipolar interactions make significant contribution to the SFD broadening. Magnetic islands with configurable domain structures via dipolar interactions and their possible applications are further studied in this work.