Influence of interface exchange coupling in perpendicular anisotropy [Pt/Co]50/TbFe bilayers

We present the magnetization evolution of perpendicular anisotropy TbFe and [Co/Pt]{sub 50} thin films either in direct contact resulting in antiferromagnetic interfacial coupling or separated by a thick Pt layer. Magnetometry and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy determine the spatially averaged magnetic properties. Resonant magnetic x-ray small-angle scattering and magnetic soft X-ray transmission microscopy probed the domain configurations and correlations in the reversal processes. While the Co/Pt multilayer reverses by domain propagation, the TbFe magnetization reversal is found to be dominated either by coherent magnetization reversal processes or by lateral domain formation depending on the interface exchange coupling. In the presence of lateral domains, dipolar field induced domain replication phenomena are observed.