Continuous contrast variation in magnetic reference layer measurements

We propose a feasibility study for continuous contrast variation in soft-condensed matter reflectometry experiments using the technique of magnetic reference layers. Changing the projection of the magnetization in the film plane by means of external, saturating magnetic fields, the magnetic contrast can be varied without the danger of domain formation. The study will comprise magnetic materials commonly used in magnetic reference layer studies and materials with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, increasing the available contrast range and aiding stable out-of-plane magnetization configurations.