Magnetic domain structure and dynamics in interacting ferromagnetic stacks with perpendicular anisotropy

The time and field dependence of the magnetic domain structure at magnetization reversal were investigated by Kerr microscopy in interacting ferromagnetic Co/Pt multilayers with perpendicular anisotropy. Large local inhomogeneous magnetostatic fields favor mirroring domain structures and domain decoration by rings of opposite magnetization. The long range nature of these magnetostatic interactions gives rise to ultra-slow dynamics even in zero applied field, i.e. it affects the long time domain stability. Due to this additionnal interaction field, the magnetization reversal under short magnetic field pulses differs markedly from the well-known slow dynamic behavior. Namely, in high field, the magnetization of the coupled harder layer has been observed to reverse more rapidly by domain wall motion than the softer layer alone.Comment: 42 pages including 17 figures. submitted to JA

Highly asymmetric magnetic domain wall propagation due to coupling to a periodic pinning potential

Magneto-optical microscopy and magnetometry have been used to study 19 magnetization reversal in an ultrathin magnetically soft [Pt/Co]2 ferromagnetic film 20 coupled to an array of magnetically harder [Co/Pt]4 nanodots via a predominantly 21 dipolar interaction across a 3 nm Pt spacer. This interaction generates a spatially 22 periodic pinning potential for domain walls propagating through the continuous 23 magnetic film. When reversing the applied field with respect to the static nanodot 24 array magnetization orientation, strong asymmetries in the wall velocity and switching 25 fields are observed. Asymmetric switching fields mean that the hysteresis of the film is 26 characterized by a large bias field of dipolar origin which is linked to the wall velocity 27 asymmetry. This latter asymmetry, though large at low fields, vanishes at high fields 28 where the domains become round and compact. A field-polarity-controlled transition 29 from dendritic to compact faceted domain structures is also seen at low field and a 30 model is proposed to interpret the transition

Aging dynamics of non-linear elastic interfaces: the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equation

In this work, the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equation in (1+1) dimensions is studied by means of numerical simulations, focussing on the two-times evolution of an interface in the absence of any disordered environment. This work shows that even in this simple case, a rich aging behavior develops. A multiplicative aging scenario for the two-times roughness of the system is observed, characterized by the same growth exponent as in the stationary regime. The analysis permits the identification of the relevant growing correlation length, accounting for the important scaling variables in the system. The distribution function of the two-times roughness is also computed and described in terms of a generalized scaling relation. These results give good insight into the glassy dynamics of the important case of a non-linear elastic line in a disordered medium.Comment: 14 pages, 6 figure

Spatially periodic domain wall pinning potentials: Asymmetric pinning and dipolar biasing

Domain wall propagation has been measured in continuous, weakly disordered, quasi-two-dimensional, Ising-like magnetic layers that are subject to spatially periodic domain wall pinning potentials. The potentials are generated non-destructively using the stray magnetic field of ordered arrays of magnetically hard [Co/Pt]$_m$ nanoplatelets which are patterned above and are physically separated from the continuous magnetic layer. The effect of the periodic pinning potentials on thermally activated domain wall creep dynamics is shown to be equivalent, at first approximation, to that of a uniform, effective retardation field, $H_{ret}$, which acts against the applied field, $H$. We show that $H_{ret}$ depends not only on the array geometry but also on the relative orientation of $H$ and the magnetization of the nanoplatelets. A result of the latter dependence is that wall-mediated hysteresis loops obtained for a set nanoplatelet magnetization exhibit many properties that are normally associated with ferromagnet/antiferromagnet exchange bias systems. These include a switchable bias, coercivity enhancement and domain wall roughness that is dependent on the applied field polarity.Comment: 12 pages, 9 figure

A leaf area index data set acquired in Sahelian rangelands of Gourma in Mali over the 2005–2017 period

The leaf area index of Sahelian rangelands and related variables such as the vegetation cover fraction, the fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation and the clumping index were measured between 2005 and 2017 in the Gourma region of northern Mali. These variables, known as climate essential variables, were derived from the acquisition and the processing of hemispherical photographs taken along 1&thinsp;km linear sampling transects for five contrasted canopies and one millet field. The same sampling protocol was applied in a seasonally inundated Acacia open forest, along a 0.5&thinsp;km transect, by taking photographs of the understorey and the tree canopy. These observations collected over more than a decade, in a remote and not very accessible region, provide a relevant and unique data set that can be used for a better understanding of the Sahelian vegetation response to the current rainfall changes. The collected data can also be used for satellite product evaluation and land surface model development and validation. This paper aims to present the field work that was carried out during 13 successive rainy seasons, the measured vegetation variables, and the associated open database. Finally, a few examples of data use are shown. DOI of the referenced data set: https://doi.org/10.17178/AMMA-CATCH.CE.Veg_Gh.</p

Observed long-term land cover vs climate impacts on the West African hydrological cycle: lessons for the future ? [P-3330-65]

West Africa has experienced a long lasting, severe drought as from 1970, which seems to be attenuating since 2000. It has induced major changes in living conditions and resources over the region. In the same period, marked changes of land use and land cover have been observed: land clearing for agriculture, driven by high demographic growth rates, and ecosystem evolutions driven by the rainfall deficit. Depending on the region, the combined effects of these climate and environmental changes have induced contrasted impacts on the hydrological cycle. In the Sahel, runoff and river discharges have increased despite the rainfall reduction (“less rain, more water”, the so-called "Sahelian paradox "). Soil crusting and erosion have increased the runoff capacity of the watersheds so that it outperformed the rainfall deficit. Conversely, in the more humid Guinean and Sudanian regions to the South, the opposite (and expected) “less rain, less water” behavior is observed, but the signature of land cover changes can hardly be detected in the hydrological records. These observations over the past 50 years suggest that the hydrological response to climate change can not be analyzed irrespective of other concurrent changes, and primarily ecosystem dynamics and land cover changes. There is no consensus on future rainfall trend over West Africa in IPCC projections, although a higher occurrence of extreme events (rainstorms, dry spells) is expected. An increase in the need for arable land and water resources is expected as well, driven by economic development and demographic growth. Based on past long-term observations on the AMMA-CATCH observatory, we explore in this work various future combinations of climate vs environmental drivers, and we infer the expected resulting trends on water resources, along the west African eco-climatic gradient. (Texte intégral

Multidisciplinary approach to reconstructing local pastoral activities: an example from the Pyrenean Mountains (Pays Basque)

International audienceIn this study archaeology, history and palaeoecology (modern and fossil data sets of pollen and nonpollen palynomorphs) were used to reconstruct small-scale pastoral activities in the Pyrenees Mountains during the last two millennia. Modern pollen assemblages from the major vegetation units (both natural andanthropogenic) are studied on one restricted watershed area. A correlative model (RDA) of 61 modern pollen spectra and 35 external variables distinguishes two groups of taxa, providing information on the nature and spatial extent of human impact on the landscape. The first pool indicates local pastoral activities, and the second one implies regional input from outside the studied watershed, and is not characteristic of a specific land use. These pools are described as 'Local Pastoral Pollen Indicators' (LPPI) for this particular mountain region on crystalline bedrock and 'Regional Human Activities Pollen Indicators' (RHAPI). The modern data set is used to aid interpretation of the local pollen sequence of Sourzay that covers the last 2000 calendar years BP, using RDA reconstructions, and best modern analogues as a means of comparing modern and fossil spectra. The study also demonstrates agreement between the independent interpretations of two fossil proxies, LPPI and coprophilous fungi

Control of Spatial Organization of Gold Nanoparticles Using Cylindrical Nanopores of Block Copolymers Films

Abstract In this paper, a sequential process of elaboration of hybrid nanostructured composite films has been proposed. The combination of phase separation in poly(styrene-block-4vinylpyridine) (PS-P4VP) block copolymer leading to the formation of nanopores, and gold nanocolloids synthesis confined in the nanoholes has allowed the facile fabrication of hexagonally arranged gold nanoparticles (NPs) onto silicon wafer. In particular, the nucleation and growth of gold nanoparticles took place within the nanopores, where they are confined in both size and shape the formed Au NPs. The resulting hybrid nanoscomposite has been characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and X-Ray Spectroscopy (XPS). This facile and simple process represents an opened pathway to several technologically important materials fabrication such as hierarchical and ordered crystal architectures. Indeed, the approach based on solvent phase, which is particularly attractive due to its low energy requirement, and the safety and environmentally gentle processing conditions

Bioactive Hydrogel Substrates: Probing Leukocyte Receptor–Ligand Interactions in Parallel Plate Flow Chamber Studies

The binding of activated integrins on the surface of leukocytes facilitates the adhesion of leukocytes to vascular endothelium during inflammation. Interactions between selectins and their ligands mediate rolling, and are believed to play an important role in leukocyte adhesion, though the minimal recognition motif required for physiologic interactions is not known. We have developed a novel system using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels modified with either integrin-binding peptide sequences or the selectin ligand sialyl Lewis X (SLe(X)) within a parallel plate flow chamber to examine the dynamics of leukocyte adhesion to specific ligands. The adhesive peptide sequences arginine–glycine–aspartic acid–serine (RGDS) and leucine–aspartic acid–valine (LDV) as well as sialyl Lewis X were bound to the surface of photopolymerized PEG diacrylate hydrogels. Leukocytes perfused over these gels in a parallel plate flow chamber at physiological shear rates demonstrate both rolling and firm adhesion, depending on the identity and concentration of ligand bound to the hydrogel substrate. This new system provides a unique polymer-based model for the study of interactions between leukocytes and endothelium as well as a platform to develop improved scaffolds for cardiovascular tissue engineering