A magnetic force microscopy study of the magnetic reversal of a single Fe nanowire.

ABSTRACT

The magnetization reversal properties of a single 60 nm diameter Fe nanowire were investigated with an in-field magnetic force microscope (MFM). MFM images were observed in a successively decreasing applied field, at various angles between the applied field and the nanowire axis. The results show that the magnetization undergoes a sharp reversal at various angles. When the applied field deviates from the nanowire axis, before complete magnetization reversal, a coherent rotation of magnetic moments inside the nanowire and a stable vortex state at the end of the nanowire are exhibited. The angle dependence of the switching field can be closely described by a curling model, despite the fact the magnetization reversal process is not identical to this model.