Search

• Stripe domains patterns have been observed in ferri/ferromagnetic multilayers. • Rare earth-transition metal alloys allow tuning the interactions between layers. • Transmission X-ray microscopy shows complex magnetic textures. The stacking of ferrimagnetic and ferromagnetic films leads to a competition between magnetic interactions that can stabilize Bloch points and other singularities at the interfaces. In this work, Gd x Co 1-x /NdCo 5 /Gd y Co 1-y trilayers, with different thicknesses, have been prepared. By tuning the stoichiometry of the Gd-Co outer layers, the Co magnetic sublattice dominates in one layer, whereas the opposite side is Gd dominated. In this way, in-depth magnetization domain walls can be created due to the balance between exchange and magnetostatic interactions. In addition, the weak perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of the Nd-Co central layer induces a stripe domain pattern, supporting the formation of Bloch points, meron-like textures, and vortex-antivortex pairs. The interaction between both types of structures, in-depth domain walls and magnetic singularities, has been studied by a combination of macroscopic Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry measurements with microscopic Magnetic Force Microscopy and element selective magnetic Transmission soft X-ray Microscopy imaging. The results confirm marked changes in the magnetic properties of the trilayers, as compared with those single NdCo 5 films, and the formation of complex magnetic textures, associated with partial magnetization reversal, where magnetic singularities are formed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]