The Demagnetizing Energy and Domain Structure of a Uniaxial Single Crystal

Abstract

The conditions under which a reduction in the demagnetizing energy in a uniaxial crystal can be brought about by rotation of the magnetization vectors (μ* effect) is examined and an expression for the energy reduction is obtained for materials with high anisotropy (K > 2πI02). The closure domain structure of cobalt has been examined by Bitter pattern technique on the curved surface of a disc, and the results give the conditions under which domains of reverse magnetization are preferred. Suggestions for future development are made.