Application of off-specular polarized neutron reflectometry to measurements on an array of mesoscopic ferromagnetic disks

Using off-specular polarized neutron reflectometry with neutron spin analys is, we determined the magnetic properties of a large array of in-plane magn etized ferromagnetic Co disks. Resonant peaks are clearly observed in the o ff-specular reflectivity, due to the lateral periodicity of the disk array. Using polarized neutrons, the intensity of the resonant peak in the off-sp ecular reflectivity is studied as a function of the magnetic field applied in the sample plane. Spin analysis of the reflected neutrons reveals the ma gnetization reversal and saturation within the disks. (C) 2001 American Ins titute of Physics.