3D magnetic configuration of ferrimagnetic multilayers with competing interactions visualized by soft X-ray vector tomography

Abstract Full control of magnetic properties in exchange coupled systems requires a good understanding 3D configuration with lateral and in-depth resolution. Here we show results from soft X-ray tomographic reconstruction which allow determining, solely the experimental data, detailed description vector ferrimagnetic Gd 12 Co 88 /Nd 17 83 /Gd 24 76 trilayer engineered competing anisotropy, magnetostatic interactions at different depths. The displays chevron patterns distorted closure structure. Near top layer, local springs out-of-plane magnetization reversal, quasi-domains ripple-like vortices antivortices across thickness are observed. analysis tomogram shows that effective strength spring NdCo/GdCo interface can be finely tuned by x 1-x composition anisotropy (determined sample fabrication) in-plane stripe orientation (adjustable), demonstrating suitability visualization techniques engineering research.