Spin Configuration and Classification of Switching Processes in Ferromagnetic Rings Down to Sub-100 nm Dimensions

Published

May 1, 2004

Author(s)

C Vaz, T Monchesky, John Unguris, E Bauer, S Cherifi, S Heun, A Locatelli, L J. Heyderman, Z Cui, J Bland

Abstract

The magnetic states and switching processes are investigated in Co and NiFe rings with lateral dimensions from the micrometer range down to sub-100 nm. Using non-intrusive imaging techniques we have directly observed the nanoscopic details of the magnetization configurations of epitaxial and polycrystalline mesoscopic ring structures with <15 nm resolution. We have found head-to-head domain walls with different spin structures depending on ring width. Further, we can classify the geometry-dependent switching processes according to the number of transitions (single, double, triple) that a ring undergoes in a hysteresis cycle. In the case of triple switching we find a novel state with a complete vortex core present in the ring. It is found that the double switching can be retained in sub-100 nm rings by tailoring the material and thickness.

Citation

Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

Volume

272-276

Issue

3

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

magnetic, magnetic imagin, magnetic switching, micromagnetics, rings

Citation

Vaz, C. , Monchesky, T. , Unguris, J. , Bauer, E. , Cherifi, S. , Heun, S. , Locatelli, A. , Heyderman, L. , Cui, Z. and Bland, J. (2004), Spin Configuration and Classification of Switching Processes in Ferromagnetic Rings Down to Sub-100 nm Dimensions, Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials (Accessed October 17, 2025)