Artificial sub-μm magnetic patterning by He+ ion bombardment through a mask fabricated by Ultraviolet NanoImprint Lithography (UV-NIL)

Light-ion bombardment induced magnetic patterning (IBMP) is a smart method to tailor the unidirectional anisotropy in exchange-bias layer systems. If the bombardment area is limited by shadow masks, artificial magnetic patterns can be generated which are stable in remanence. A method is described where it is possible to fabricate submicron magnetic patterns over large sample areas: Ultraviolet NanoImprint Lithography (UV-NIL) in combination with IBMP. We show the fabrication of artificial magnetic patterns with dimensions between 400 and 1000 nm over cm2 areas.