Reversible and irreversible magnetoresistance of quasisingle domain permalloy microstructures

Abstract

Permalloy microstructures are investigated by magnetoresistance measurements at 2.0 K and by magnetic-force microscopy at room temperature. While the reversible anisotropic magnetoresistance is determined to be 2.4% at saturation fields of Bsat=1020 mT, the irreversible switching yields a resistance change of the order of 0.05% at 13 mT. By tilting the external magnetic field relative to the easy axis of the quasi single-domain microstructures insight in the reversal process is gained. Comparison with an analytical model provides evidence for magnetization reversal by curling.

Magnetization scissoring in aluminum/Permalloy microstructures

“…Figure 1 shows how the magnetization can rotate in opposite directions on opposite sides of a coupling stripe. Prior research has addressed the magnetization reversal process with an applied external field, such as magnetic coherent rotation, 2 magnetic curling, [3][4][5] and magnetic fanning. 6,1 Other studies have focused on current-driven domain wall motion.…”