Magnetodynamics in epitaxial Fe1-xCox films on GaAs (100) are studied using
time-resolved ferromagnetic resonance, in which the free precession of the
magnetization after an impulsive excitation is measured using the polar Kerr
effect. The sample is rotated with respect to the static and pulsed field
directions, providing a complete mapping of the free energy surface and
characteristic relaxation times. The magnetic response can be simulated with a
simple coherent rotation model except in the immediate vicinity of switching
fields. Bulk and surface anisotropies are identified, and unusual dynamics
associated with the coexistence of cubic and uniaxial anisotropies are
observed.Comment: PDF - 4 figure