Brillouin scattering study of spin dynamics in patterned nanoelements: from single-layer to multilayered structures

A Brillouin light scattering experimental investigation of the high frequency dynamical properties of multi-layered patterned elements with sub-micrometric lateral dimensions is reported. The different magnetic excitation spectra of the ferromagnetic layers employed in such structures, combined with the effects of interlayer coupling and finite lateral dimensions, make the dynamics of such elements different from that measured in a single-layer magnetic film. The effect of lateral confinement in one and two in-plane directions is explored in patterned samples made of stripes with infinite length, as well as rectangular and elliptical elements, respectively.