Scanning magnetic force microscopy on Co/Pt magneto-optical disks

Abstract

High resolution images of domains written on Co/Pt magneto-optical disks were obtained using scanning magnetic force microscopy. The key advantage of this technique compared to electron microscopy techniques is that regular disks can be used. We studied the influence of the multilayer composition and preparation conditions as well as the effect of the pregrooves and the incorporation of a Pt underlayer, on the structure of the domains on the disk. Marks were written both with laser and magnetic field modulation, and carrier and noise levels were determined. Regularly shaped and subdomain-free marks for both writing schemes were obtained for multilayers with about 4-Å-thick Co layers and Pt layers thinner than 15 Å. The magnitude of the coercive field had only a minor influence on the domain structure. On the other hand, the preparation conditions and the structure of the base layers have a large impact on the recording conditions and domain structures.