Effects of groove depth and patterned permalloy film on magnetization switching of LPE-garnet pixels for use in magneto-optic spatial light modulators+

The effects of groove depth of magnetic garnet pixels and existence of patterned permalloy assist film on the magnetization switching characteristics of elements are explored. The combinatory use of the pixel groove control and the patterned permalloy assist film is effective for reducing the switching field of magnetic garnet pixels. The results show that the magnetization field to switch a structured pixel could be reduced by controlling the pixel groove depth.