We report the experimental results on magnetization reversal in Co/Pd multilayers. Interestingly enough, reversal phenomena in this system were found to be strongly dependent on the magnetic properties varied with the Co-sublayer thickness. Direct domain observations and magnetization viscosity measurements revealed that wall motion was dominant in the samples having 2-Å-thick Co sublayer, whereas nucleation was dominant in those having 4-Å-thick Co sublayer. Magnetization reversal was theoretically studied using a nanomagnetic model and the strong dependence of reversal behavior on the magnetic properties could be qualitatively explained.

• Received 17 April 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.57.1085