We study the remanent domain configurations of rectangular permalloy antidot lattices over a range of lattice parameters. The influence of antidot diameter, antidot spacing, and the aspect ratio of the lattice on the remanent domain configuration are investigated by magnetic force microscopy and supported by micromagnetic simulations. In the remanent state, areas of cells with the same orientation of average magnetization form magnetic super domains separated by super domain walls (SDWs). Two types of SDWs are identified. The first type is characterized by low stray field energy, is linear, and expands over many lattice constants. In contrast the second type shows high stray field energy and is situated at kinks of low energy SDWs. Its width can vary from a minimum of two lattice cells up to several lattice constants, depending on the lattice parameters. The occurrence and structure of these two types of SDWs as function of lattice parameters are classified and discussed in terms of the interplay of stray field and exchange energy.PACS number(s): 75.60.Ch, 75.78.Cd, 68.37.Rt.

Magnetic force microscopy has unsurpassed capabilities in analysis of nanoscale and microscale magnetic samples and devices. Similar to other Scanning Probe Microscopy techniques, quantitative analysis remains a challenge. Despite large theoretical and practical progress in this area, present methods are seldom used due to their complexity and lack of systematic understanding of related uncertainties and recommended best practice. Use of the Tip Transfer Function (TTF) is a key concept in making Magnetic Force Microscopy measurements quantitative. We present a numerical study of several aspects of TTF reconstruction using multilayer samples with perpendicular magnetisation. We address the choice of numerical approach, impact of non-periodicity and windowing, suitable conventions for data normalisation and units, criteria for choice of regularisation parameter and experimental effects observed in real measurements. We present a simple regularisation parameter selection method based on TTF width and verify this approach via numerical experiments. Examples of TTF estimation are shown on both 2D and 3D experimental datasets. We give recommendations on best practices for robust TTF estimation, including the choice of windowing function, measurement strategy and dealing with experimental error sources. A method for synthetic MFM data generation, suitable for large scale numerical experiments is also presented.

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We experimentally study the thermoelectrical signature of individual skyrmions in chiral Pt/Co/Ru multilayers. Using a combination of controlled nucleation, single skyrmion annihilation, and magnetic field dependent measurements the thermoelectric signature of individual skyrmions is characterized. The observed signature is explained by the anomalous Nernst effect of the skyrmion's spin structure. Possible topological contributions to the observed thermoelectrical signature are discussed. Such thermoelectrical characterization allows for non-invasive detection and counting of skyrmions and enables fundamental studies of topological thermoelectric effects on the nano scale