Micrometer-Sized Magnetic Patterning of FeRh Films Using an Energetic Ion Microbeam

Abstract

FeRh thin films were irradiated with a focused 10 MeV I 2 ×2 µm 2 ion microbeam at intervals of several µm. Following irradiation, the magnetic state at the surface was observed via magnetic force microscopy. The micrometer-sized regions irradiated with the microbeam show a ferromagnetic state while unirradiated regions remain in an anti-ferromagnetic state. Results indicate that an energetic ion microbeam can be used as a tool to produce micrometer-sized modulations of lateral magnetic states of FeRh films.