Ferromagnetic resonance force microscopy on microscopic cobalt single layer films

We report mechanical detection of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) signals from microscopic Co single layer thin films using a magnetic resonance force microscope (MRFM). Variations in the magnetic anisotropy field and the inhomogeneity of were clearly observed in the FMR spectra of microscopic Co thin films 500 and 1000 Å thick and ∼40×200 μm2 in lateral extent. This demonstrates the important potential that MRFM detection of FMR holds for microscopic characterization of spatial distribution of magnetic properties in magnetic layered materials and devices.