Determination of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in ultrathin ferromagnetic films by extraordinary Hall voltage measurement

A magnetometric technique for detecting the magnetic anisotropy field of ferromagnetic films is described. The technique is based on the extraordinary Hall voltage measurement with rotating the film under an external magnetic field. By analyzing the angle-dependent Hall voltage based on the Stoner-Wohlfarth theory, the magnetic anisotropy field is uniquely determined. The present technique is pertinent especially for ultrathin films with strong intrinsic signal, in contrast to the conventional magnetometric techniques of which the signal is in proportion to the sample volume and geometry. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3262635]