Domain-wall dynamics in multisegmented Ni/Co nanowires

Abstract

The current-induced motion of transverse magnetic domain walls (DWs) in a multisegmented Co/Ni nanowire is investigated numerically. We find that the phase diagram current pulse length magnitude presents a rare diversity of behaviors depending on the segment's length and material parameters. We show that by changing only the pulse shape, in a range of parameters we obtain the controlled motion of the DW with or without polarity change. The polarity change arises in the simplest case from the birth and propagation of an antivortex along the width of the nanowire. The antivortex can be displaced over long distances depending on the pulse characteristics and boundary conditions. The systematic motion of the DW with polarity flip is found to be stable at room temperature. Moreover, by modifying the material parameters through alloying, the phase diagram can be engineered, decreasing the depinning current and paving the way for storage or logic applications.