A new method of measuring the inhomogeneity in easy-axis orientation and in the magnitude of the uniaxial anisotropy in thin ferromagnetic films has been found. Correlation between the two can also be obtained by this method. Apparatus has been built to measure the probability density of finding a part of the film with a given easy-axis orientation, as well as a given Hk, and to plot this probability density function on an x-y recorder. The Hk probability density function is found to be symmetric, contrary to popular belief. Measured values of easy-axis inhomogeneity agree within experimental error with values obtained by conventional methods. Previous methods of measuring Hk inhomogeneity, based on either radio-frequency resonance linewidth or on reversible limit, are discussed and found to be questionable.
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