Reproducible domain wall pinning by linear non-topographic features in a ferromagnetic nanowire

Basith, M.A., McVitie, S. , McGrouther, D. and Chapman, J.N. (2012) Reproducible domain wall pinning by linear non-topographic features in a ferromagnetic nanowire. Applied Physics Letters, 100(23), p. 232402. (doi: 10.1063/1.4724210)

Abstract

We demonstrate that for multilayered magnetic nanowires, where the thickness and composition of the individual layers have been carefully chosen, domain walls can be pinned at non-topographic sites created purely by ion irradiation in a focused ion beam system. The pinning results from irradiation induced alloying leading to magnetic property modification only in the affected regions. Using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy, we have studied the pinning behavior of domain walls at the irradiation sites. Depending on the irradiation dose, a single line feature not only pinned the domain walls but also acted to control their structure and the strength of their pinning.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McVitie, Professor Stephen and McGrouther, Dr Damien and Basith, Mr Mohammed
• Authors: Basith, M.A., McVitie, S., McGrouther, D., and Chapman, J.N.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters
• Journal Abbr.: Appl. Phys. Lett.
• ISSN: 0003-6951
• ISSN (Online): 1077-3118