Magnetic domain structure of wires studied by using the magneto-optical indicator film method

Abstract

Experimental studies of the magnetic domain structure of amorphous wires with positive (Fe-rich) and negative (Co-rich) magnetostriction by using the magneto-optical indicator film method have been performed. The following main results have been obtained. (i) Fe-rich wires possess unclosed 180° surface domain structures with magnetization perpendicular to the wire surface, i.e., without closure domains previously assumed for such materials. Such results have been attributed to the large magnetolastic anisotropy induced by the fabrication process. (ii) Domain structures of Co-rich wires consist of rather big (as-compared with Fe-rich wires) circular domains.