The Demagnetizing Energy and Domain Structure of a Uniaxial Single Crystal

The conditions under which a reduction in the demagnetizing energy in a uniaxial crystal can be brought about by rotation of the magnetization vectors (μ * effect) is examined and an expression for the energy reduction is obtained for materials with high anisotropy ( K > 2π I 0 2 ). The closure domain structure of cobalt has been examined by Bitter pattern technique on the curved surface of a disc, and the results give the conditions under which domains of reverse magnetization are preferred. Suggestions for future development are made.