Magnetization distributions in nano-sized ultrathin cobalt

The distribution of magnetization inside laterally limited ultrathin films is studied by means of numerical simulations. Analysis is based on real magnetic material parameters, determined for ultrathin cobalt. The study is focused on the cobalt thickness region near the spin-reorientation phase transition. Magnetization distributions at the edges of a semi-infinite film, and nano-wires as well as nano-discs are examined. These nano-structures exhibit different magnetization distributions, depending on their lateral size, shape and thickness, but for small lateral sizes an out-of-plane-monodomain state is achieved. For discs an interesting domain patterned vortex-like state is demonstrated. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.