Nanoscale Spin Wave Localization Using Ferromagnetic Resonance Force Microscopy

We use the dipolar fields from a magnetic cantilever tip to generate localized spin wave precession modes in an in-plane magnetized, thin ferromagnetic film. Multiple resonances from a series of localized modes are detected by ferromagnetic resonance force microscopy and reproduced by micromagnetic models that also reveal highly anisotropic mode profiles. Modeled scans of line defects using the lowest-frequency mode provide resolution predictions of (94.5±1.5) nm in the field direction, and (390±2) nm perpendicular to the field.