Field orientation dependent magnetization reversal and dynamics in sub-100 nm wide permalloy nanowires

Abstract

We have investigated the magnetization reversal mechanism and dynamic behaviour of 90 nm wide permalloy nanowires patterned over a large area as a function of thickness (t) in the range from 20 nm to 70 nm and applied field orientation. The reversal processes and dynamic properties are probed using the magneto-optical Kerr effect and broadband ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectroscopy respectively. We have observed that both the static and dynamic properties are markedly sensitive to the film thickness. For t= 20 nm, the magnetization reversal process is dominated by coherent rotation mode due to the strong shape anisotropy and the onset of curling mode is observed. The FMR spectra display the existence of two well-separated modes, unlike the single mode which existed in the large width nanowires of the same thickness. The two modes at high and low frequencies correspond to the excitations at the centre and edges of the wire respectively. For t ⩾ 50 nm, the magnetization reversal process is dominated by curling mode of reversal. The centre mode frequency is found to be sensitive to the film thickness and shows two fold anisotropy. The experimental results are substantiated with micromagnetic simulations. These results have potential implications in designing reconfigurable magnonic crystals for microwave devices.