In situ MFM investigation of magnetization reversal in Co patterned microstructures

Cobalt patterns were formed on the HOPG surface by vacuum evaporation metho d with mask system utilization. Their geometric and magnetic properties wer e investigated by the scanning probe microscopy method. Samples with the pa ttern thickness ranging between 40 and 200 nm were obtained. The patterns h ad planar shape about 25 mum in length. The observed length-to-width ratio for the patterns was from 1.5 up to 12. Coercivity of the patterns in the s urface direction was found to depend on the pattern height and lateral size s. In zero magnetic field the stripe magnetic domain structure of magnetiza tion was observed in wire-like patterns with length-to-width ratio of about 10 and more.