Magnetization reversal in Co/Cr multilayer films

Magnetization reversal of Co/Cr multilayer films is studied by utilizing initial magnetization curves, minor loops, isothermal and dc demagnetization remanence curves, and temperature dependence of the loops. Electron microscope observations reveal that the films consist of columnar grains of size from 400 to 800 Å. It is suggested that the magnetization reversal is dominated by rotation of single-domain grains. Numerical calculations are performed based on the Stoner-Wohlfarth coherent rotation model for noninteracting, single-domain particles of uniaxial anisotropy. The calculated results agree qualitatively with the experimental results. To investigate the quantitative differences, magnetic interactions among the grains are measured in terms of deviations from the linear Hankel plot predicted by Wohlfarth.