Switching of spin vortices in magnetic nanodiscs

The diploma thesis deals with the switching of spin vortices in magnetic nanodisks. First, the basic concepts of (micro)magnetism are defined and existing theoretical and experimental achievements in the field of switching of the two basic characteristics (chirality and polarity) of magnetic vortex are summarized. Then the principle of dynamic switching of magnetic vortex chirality using in-plane magnetic field pulse with a well defined amplitude and duration is presented. There is no need to use a certain shape of nanodisks or asymmetry in magnetic field distribution. Nanostructures were prepared by the multi-step electron beam lithography and ion beam sputtering. Individual steps of sample preparation and optimization for the magnetization dynamics measurements are described. Finally, the experimental measurements of the dynamic switching of chirality on prepared samples obtained by transmission x-ray microscopy at the synchrotron Advanced Light Source at Berkeley, USA are presented and discussed