Magnetic domain structure along hysteresis loop of perpendicularly magnetized Co layers

We present an experimental study of the magnetization reversal in Au/Co layers with perpendicular anisotropy versus variable magnetic field. Changes in domain structure were recorded simultaneously with the measurement of the hysteresis loop by a Kerr microscope in polar configuration. The magnetization reversal is performed by domain wall propagation in the two-way up to down and inversely. In addition, it was shown experimentally that the evolution of the domain structure is almost the same along both branches of the hysteresis loop. The magnetization reversal is always triggered at the same places of the sample independently of the applied magnetic field direction. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.