Micrometer-sized magnetic patterning of FeRh films using an energetic ion microbeam

FeRh thin films were irradiated with a focused 10 MeV I 2x2 μm2 ion microbeam at intervals of several μm. Following irradiation, the magnetic state at the surface was observed via magnetic force microscopy. The micrometer-sized regions irradiated with the microbeam show a ferromagnetic state while unirradiated regions remain in an anti-ferromagnetic state. Results indicate that an energetic ion microbeam can be used as a tool to produce micrometer-sized modulations of lateral magnetic states of FeRh films. (author)