Neel's Domain Structure on (011) Iron Whiskers

The magnetic domain structure in selected thick (011) Fe whiskers has been determined both at zero applied field and when a weak field is applied along the axis of the whisker. The results are compared to that predicted by Neel's theory for the case of a thick monocrystal of pure Fe. In both cases the domain structures are in qualitatively good agreement with the ideal one proposed. However, the periodicity of the domain spacing is not in agreement with the energetical estimations obtained following Neel's theory. Calculations are made to help clarify this lack in agreement by taking into account the fact that the presence of colloid can decrease the magnetostatic energy. 8 ref.--D.O.N.