Microscopic origin of asymmetric magnetization reversal of Co/Pt multilayers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

We have comprehensively investigated asymmetric magnetization reversal behaviors of (x-angstrom Co/7.7 angstrom Pt)5 multilayers (x = 3.1 and 4.7) with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Our direct observation of magnetic domain structures by means of magneto-optical microscopy reveals that the asymmetry arises both from nucleation and wall-motion processes. An asymmetric nucleation behavior is observed, which could be originated from the preexisting non-reversed domains which might have a reproducible or random spatial distribution, controllable by tuning the field profile. An asymmetric wall-motion behavior stemming from asymmetric stripe domain evolution is also observed.