Hole patterns in magnetic materials, so called antidot lattices, on the nano scale exhibit a large number of novel phenomena. These are visualized and elucidated by a combination of cutting edge methods like scanning x-ray transmission microscopy (at the MAXYMUS end station at the BESSY II storage ring in Berlin) with magnetic contrast (XMCD) and first-order reversal curve measurements (as lab method). Thereby, phenomena like geometric frustration, e.g. spin ice behavior or three dimensional variations of the magnetization, can be investigated down to a lateral resolution below 20 nm. Apart from being of great interest for fundamental physics, antidote lattice can be used for the targeted engineering of the magnetic properties of a system. Systematic large scale investigations are realized by utilization of fast preparation and characterization techniques, like focused ion beam and magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements.

X-ray micrograph of the intermediate magnetization configuration during the magnetization reversal of a Fe antidot lattice. From: J. Gräfe et al. Physical Review B 93 (1), 014406 (2016). []

Visualization of the three dimensional magnetization deflection in a geometrically frustrated antidote lattice in a Fe thin film. From: J. Gräfe et al. Nanotechnology 26 (22), 225203 (2015). []