MORPHOLOGY AND MAGNETISM OF THIN CO FILMS ON TEXTURED AU SURFACES

Magnetization and domain structure of thin cobalt wedges on textured A u substrates were studied by scanning electron microscopy with polariz ation analysis (SEMPA). In the thickness regime with perpendicular mag netization, as-grown films contain small domains with diameter between 0.3 and 1.5 mu m. The small size is connected to the morphology of th e film, resulting from the textured nature of the Au substrate. Applyi ng a magnetic field gives a distinct dependence of measured polarizati on on film thickness, most likely caused by variations in coercivity. Results are compared with those obtained for similar films on single c rystal Au substrates, in view of the relation between magnetic propert ies and morphology.