Forth meeting, 18.07.2024

Given by: Yael Kapon

Title: Magneto-Optical Imaging of Magnetic-Domain Pinning Induced by Chiral Molecules 

Discussion:

Chiral molecules can create new magnetic devices by locally manipulating the magnetic properties of metallic surfaces. When chiral polypeptides chemisorb onto ferromagnets, they induce local magnetization through spin exchange interactions. However, direct imaging of these surface magnetization changes was not previously achieved. Using Magneto-optical Kerr microscopy, we imaged domains in thin films and found that chiral polypeptides strongly pin domains, increasing the local coercive field. We also observed a rotation of the easy magnetic axis towards the out-of-plane, depending on domain size and adsorption area. These findings highlight the potential of chiral molecules to control magnetization and open new avenues for research on chirality and magnetization.