Complex spin configurations in hybrid magnetic multilayer structures due to mutual spin imprinting

Hybrid Co/Pd-Permalloy multilayer structures exhibit multiple domain phases resulting from mutual spin imprinting, dependent on the precise layer composition and thickness. While such hybrid structures can support either a pure Landau closure-domain pattern or a perpendicular exchange-spring magnetization structure, numerical analysis also revealed an anomalous mixed Landau-maze domain state. Mutual imprinting of the spin configuration between the layers was strongest for the latter multidomain state, which we propose is a consequence of exchange energy dissipation over the two lateral dimensions. An analytical derivation of domain phase boundaries was consistent with the micromagnetic simulations and gave important insight into their origin.