Tunable Magnetization Dynamics in Interfacially Modified Ni(81)Fe(19)/Pt Bilayer Thin Film Microstructures

Interface modification for control of ultrafast magnetic properties using low-dose focused ion beam irradiation is demonstrated for bilayers of two technologically important materials: Ni(81)Fe(19) and Pt. Magnetization dynamics were studied using an all-optical time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr microscopy method. Magnetization relaxation, precession, damping and the spatial coherence of magnetization dynamics were studied. Magnetization precession was fitted with a single-mode damped sinusoid to extract the Gilbert damping parameter. A systematic study of the damping parameter and frequency as a function of irradiation dose varying from 0 to 3.3 pC/μm(2) shows a complex dependence upon ion beam dose. This is interpreted in terms of both intrinsic effects and extrinsic two-magnon scattering effects resulting from the expansion of the interfacial region and the creation of a compositionally graded alloy. The results suggest a new direction for the control of precessional magnetization dynamics, and open the opportunity to optimize high-speed magnetic devices.