Direct Method For Measuring The Canting Angle Of Magnetization

We present a method to accurately determine the canting angle of magnetization in Co/Pt multilayers by utilizing magnetoresistance effects. In a current-in-plane geometry, the longitudinal voltage drop is determined as a function of the direction of an externally applied magnetic field. The field strength is sufficient to prevent domain decay. Measuring the change of resistance for two slightly differing field strengths allows the determination of the canting angle with high accuracy. (C) 2013 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4773071]