Domain imaging of mesoscopic magnetic structures by photoelectron emission microscopy

We have observed magnetic domains of mesoscopic magnetic structures of Ni by synchrotron radiation photoelectron emission microscopy using circularly polarized soft X-rays from the bending magnet. The mesoscopic magnetic structures of Ni were fabricated by electron beam lithography combined with a chemical liftoff process. The geometries of the Ni mesoscopic samples were square, triangular and hexagonal with the sizes of 5 and 10 mum. The magnetic domains structures were clearly observed by dividing the images measured at the Ni L-3-edge by the images measured at the Ni L-2-edge. The magnetic domains of the Ni mesoscopic structures are discussed with the results of magnetic force microscopy and micromagnetic simulation.