Analytic description of the magnetization-reversal phase diagram in thin films with uniaxial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

Abstract

We present an analytic description of magnetization-reversal phases based on a micromagnetic theory. Calculated phase diagrams characterize three contrasting domain evolution patterns: wall-motion, dendritic-growth, and nucleation dominant phases. Gradual phase transitions are observed with respect to the magnetostatic energy, the domain-wall energy, and the temperature, while minor phase shifts are seen with respect to the anisotropy, the cell volume, the applied field, and the simulation size. Variation in the local anisotropy of only a few percent induces phase transitions.