Reproducible domain wall pinning by linear non-topographic features in a ferromagnetic nanowire
/ Authors
/ 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.
Journal: Applied Physics Letters
DOI: 10.1063/1.4724210