MFM observation of localized demagnetization in magnetic recordings

The micromagnetic details of magnetization reversal were studied using Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM). We developed a correlation technique using MFM images to measure changes in magnetization. These correlations are related to the changes in magnetization, as measured in a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). This technique was used to examine the onset of demagnetization near a transition.