(07E321) Stochastic limits in synchronous imaging of sub-micron magnetization dynamics using scanning transmission x-ray microscopy

摘要

We demonstrate a synchronous (lock-in) technique for imaging thin-film magnetization dynamics using scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM). Gated photon counting synchronized with magnetic field modulation allows image acquisition with differential contrast for high and low magnetization. We have applied this technique to 5 × 12 μm~2 Ni_(81)Fe_(19) ellipses with well-defined closure domains at remanence. The stochastic nature of the domain wall motion and nucleation is apparent in images recorded during cycling along successive major hysteresis loops. Synchronous imaging shows the clearest enhancement of contrast for small-amplitude domain wall motion, with a less obvious benefit at higher fields/displacements. The technique shows promise for the contrast enhancement of magnetization in dynamics in STXM.