| This work consists of several independent projects of application of the Time-Resolved Scanning Kerr Microscopy (TR-SKM) technique to micro- and nano-meter scale magnetic objects.; First, the method is applied to the characterization of commercial magnetorecording heads. It is observed that the front-end pole tip geometry has a strong effect on flux rise time, and that the magnetization saturation rate varies significantly across the pole. The latter factor may ultimately limit the Writer's performance despite fast local flux risetime.; Second, the switching of micrometer-size elements in cross-wire geometry (prototype MRAM elements) is characterized as a function of the switching pulses' duration, overlap and risetime. Statistical nature of switching under certain conditions is demonstrated. Astroid-like diagrams are observed for pulse durations as short as 900 ps full width half maximum. Precessional switching of magnetization and ringing-free precessional half-select switching are observed for the first time. Corresponding switching time is estimated as just 180 ps, the fastest reported to date. Our results agree quantitatively with Landau Lifshitz Gilbert-based micromagnetic simulations.; We also characterized a magnetooptic properties of an iron nanoclusters layer embedded into a silicon dioxide host. The nanocluster layer yielded a strong signal (corresponding Verdet constant is estimated at least three orders of magnitude higher than that of the host material) and fast linear out-of-plane response in zero bias field.; Finally, a new lithographic technique is suggested, promising simplified deposition of crossed-wire and spiral/helical microstructures. |
