Two different coercivity lattices in Co/Pd multilayers generated by single-pulse direct laser interference lithography

Abstract

We report on magnetic structuring of Co/Pd multilayer films with strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy by single-pulse direct laser interference lithography technique. Multibeam laser interference generates patterns of various types. The intense laser irradiation at interference maxima causes chemical intermixing at Co/Pd interfaces, leading to local changes in magnetic properties such as the creation of pinning centers and the reduction in the strength of magnetic anisotropy. We use magnetic force microscopy and Kerr microscopy to study the magnetization reversal processes in the patterned samples and find that the structures show three distinctly different behaviors depending on the intensity of the laser used for irradiation.