Magnetic stripe domains in $\mathrm{Fe}∕\mathrm{Ni}∕\mathrm{Cu}\left(001\right)$ were imaged and studied using photoemission electron microscopy. The stripe domain width decreases exponentially as the system approaches the spin reorientation transition (SRT) point. A reduction of the Curie temperature $\left(T_C\right)$ is observed within a narrow gap of the SRT region. For film with fixed thickness, the stripe domains below $T_C$ represent only part of the stripe phase due to a higher SRT temperature than $T_C$.

• Received 8 December 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.71.224429