Magnetic configurations in multilayers: Temperature dependent cone states and narrow stripe domains

We present results for magnetic anisotropies and domain formation obtained using torque magnetometry and magnetic force microscopy on epitaxially grown Co/Pt multilayers. A surprising result is the orientation of the equilibrium magnetization at oblique angles with respect to the film plane and the surface normal. These configurations are identified as ‘cone states’ and found to exist in limited ranges of Pt film thicknesses and temperatures. The temperature dependence is very unusual and controlled through the behavior of the lowest-order perpendicular uniaxial anisotropies. Narrow stripe domains were also observed in the demagnetized state with periods less than 100 nm. Multilayer effects on the domain period and associated saturation fields were observed.