Micromagnetics of thin-film CoX media for longitudinal magnetic recording

We use large-scale computer simulations to model magnetization-reversal dynamics in thin films of sputtered CoX alloys (X=Cr, Pt, etc.). We use full Landau–Lifschitz–Gilbert dynamics to evolve very large (65,536-spin) systems for tens of thousands of time steps. Through such simulations, we are able to relate model micromagnetic parameters to complex phenomena observed experimentally. An important goal is to better understand the role of exchange coupling in the recording dynamics of these media. We present results on the microscopic magnetic states and structures found during reversal in a model CoX material.