Characterization of magnetic properties at edges by edge-mode dynamics

We have used "trapped spin wave" or edge modes of magnetic precession to probe the magnetic environment near magnetic film edges magnetized perpendicular to the edge. Micromagnetic models of dynamics in stripes reveal that the edge mode frequency-field relationship depends on whether the edge surface is vertical or tapered, while the "bulk" modes are nearly unaffected. The models show the edge-mode frequency going to zero at the edge saturation field. This critical field becomes much less distinct for applied fields misaligned from the edge normal by as little as 1 degrees. Ferromagnetic-resonance and Brillouin light-scattering measurements of the edge modes in an array of 480-nm-widex12-nm-thick Ni80Fe20 stripes have a lower edge saturation field than the vertical edge models, but agree well with the model of 45 degrees-tapered edges. (C) 2006 American Institute of Physics.