ArXiv · 2026
We report an experimental investigation of the depth-dependent domain wall formation in L1₀-FePd thin films with high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Using circular dichroism X-ray resonant magnetic scattering (CD-XRMS) as a function of the incident X-ray angle, we explore the depth evolution of chiral spin textures in two samples with different strengths of magnetocrystalline anisotropy. Combined with CD-STXM, CD-ptychography, and macroscopic characterization of the structural order, magnetic properties, and surface morphology, we relate these observations to differences in the long-range order of the L1₀ phase of FePd. One FePd thin film with very high magnetocrystalline anisotropy, characterized by Q_PMA=1.8, exhibits an unexpectedly large Néel contribution. Angular-dependent CD-XRMS directly reveals a smooth transition from a hybrid Bloch-Néel chirality within the upper FePd layer towards a purely Néel-type structure at the lower FePd interface. In the second FePd sample, despite a still relatively large Q_PMA=1.45, the domain walls were found to be purely Néel type. These results indicate a crucial role of the long-range structural order in determining the formation of the magnetic structure.
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