title: Magnetic domain confinement by anisotropy modulation.
abstract: The spin configuration in a magnet is in general a "natural" consequence of both the intrinsic properties of the material and the sample dimensions. We demonstrate that this limitation can be overcome in a homogeneous ferromagnetic film by engineering an anisotropy contrast. Substrates with laterally modulated single-crystal and polycrystalline surface regions were used to induce selective epitaxial growth of a ferromagnetic Ni film. The resulting spatially varying magnetic anisotropy leads to regular perpendicular and in-plane magnetic domains, separated by a new type of magnetic wall---the "anisotropy constrained" magnetic wall.
authors.affiliation: Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: W S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Lew
authors.forename: J A C
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Bland
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lopez-Diaz
authors.forename: C A F
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Vaz
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Natali
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen