The calculation of periodic domains in uniaxial layers by a "Micromagnetic" domain model

Periodic domains in uniaxial magnetic films with perpendicular easy direction are calculated with a domain model which simulates the continuous magnetization distribution expected in the closure regions near the surfaces. The critical thickness for stripe domain nucleation results from our model in quantitative agreement with rigorous micromagnetic calculations. The model is used to obtain an overview about domain behaviour especially in the range of intermediate anisotropies which is of interest in connection with perpendicular recording.