Depth-resolved magnetization reversal in nanoporous perpendicular anisotropy multilayers

We have used polarized neutron reflectometry to study the field-dependent magnetizations of Co/Pt mulitlayers patterned via deposition onto nanoporous alumina hosts with varying pore aspect ratio. Despite the porosity and lack of long-range order, robust spin-dependent reflectivities are observed, allowing us to distinguish the magnetization of the surface multilayer from that of material in the pores. We find that as the pores become wider and shallower, the surface Co/Pt multilayers have progressively smaller high field magnetization and exhibit softer magnetic reversal—consistent with increased magnetic disorder and a reduction of the perpendicular anisotropy near the pore rims. These results reveal complexities of magnetic order in nanoporous heterostructures, and help pave the way for depth-resolved studies of complex magnetic heterostructures grown on prepatterned substrates.

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