Self-organized mesoscopic magnetic structures

Three types of mesoscopic magnetic microstructure have been formed using self-organization: linear arrays of nanometer diameter islands, nanometer width lines, and undulating, continuous films. These structures were produced by annealing NaCl (110) and (111) surfaces in situ to produce patterned templates with 10–100 nm periodicity. Growth parameters such as groove spacing, substrate temperature and total deposit thickness can be varied in order to define specific mesoscopic magnetic structures. The microstructural evolution during growth is discussed in the context of nucleation and coalescence kinetics. The resulting magnetic properties are described, and their connection to the underlying microstructure elucidated.