Magnetization switching in 70-nm-wide pseudo-spin-valve nanoelements

Abstract

The magnetic domain structures and magnetization reversal of patterned 70-nm-wide pseudo-spin-valve (PSV) elements were studied by magnetic force microscopy (MFM). Both magnetically soft and hard layers form single-domain states at remanence, and can be magnetized either parallel or antiparallel to each other. The switching field of each layer, and the coupling between the layers, are quantified using MFM. Individual elements show well-defined switching fields, while the ensemble has a large switching field distribution due to variability between the PSV elements.