Micromagnetic studies of thin metallic films (invited)

A computer simulation model has been developed to conduct micromagnetic studies of thin magnetic films. Thin-film media are modeled as a planar hexagonal array of hexagonally shaped grains. Each grain is a single domain particle whose magnetization reverses by coherent rotation. The computation utilizes coupled gyromagnetic dynamic equations with phenomenological Landau–Lifshitz damping. In particular, the effects of particle interactions are investigated. The effect of media microstructure on magnetic hysteresis is examined as well as the effect of intergranular exchange coupling. The difference between planar and completely random orientation of the crystalline anisotropy axes is discussed. Recorded transitions are simulated by allowing a pair of perfect transitions to relax. With no intergranular exchange coupling, the transitions show profound irregularity and zig-zag structure. Intergranular exchange coupling produces more uniform transitions with increased zig-zag structure amplitude. For a closely spaced transition pair, the equilibrium configuration yields percolated transition boundaries with stable reverse island domains. The effect of gyromagnetic precession also has been examined.