Explaining anisotropies and domain walls
In zero anisotropy, exchange length l_K diverges, but other lengths, like l_d, remain finite. Even without anisotropy, uniform magnetization still leads to domain formation. Domain walls become diffuse, with energy density approaching zero, but their width grows infinitely. However, demagnetizing energy still influences domain structure at typical lengths of 5-10 nm, balancing exchange and dipolar effects.
Calculating exchange length
With a typical Ms around 1e6 A/m, the exchange length l_d computes to about 4 nm. This sets the vortex/core size and Néel caps, but not domain size, which depends on sample geometry and competing energy considerations. As anisotropy K approaches zero, wall energy diminishes, but exchange effects still play a role.
Explaining the ground state with K=0
When K=0, exchange alone can't form well-defined walls; instead, the magnetization spreads, reducing energy density. The result is a vortex or flux closure, minimizing magnetostatic energy. Domain sizes depend on sample geometry — thinner films create in-plane magnetization due to shape anisotropy, influencing domain structures, not just exchange length.
Considering domain wall behavior with weak K
When crystalline anisotropy K approaches zero, the exchange length l_K grows large, affecting domain wall width. As K weakens, domain walls become broader, leading to an increase in domain sizes. However, if K is very small, wall definition blurs, and domain sizes may increase due to weaker wall energy penalties.
Clarifying domain wall width formulas
There’s confusion about the dependence of domain wall width w on anisotropy K. Using Kittel's law, w should increase with K, meaning w ∝ K^{1/4}. However, there's a contradiction with another formula, where w seems to decrease with K. The δ used in Kittel's law should not be the Bloch wall width, but an effective exchange length.
Clarifying domain behavior with weak anisotropy
When anisotropy is weak or absent, domain sizes do not shrink to the exchange length. In fact, the ground state may exhibit magnetization curling or closure domains, where the domain size can be influenced by sample geometry and other factors, not just the exchange length. Domains are often single-domain in-plane when shape anisotropy dominates.
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