Magnetic properties of arrays of nanowires: Anisotropy, interactions, and reversal modes

Abstract

Arrays of Co and Ni nanowires of different lengths have been prepared by electrodeposition into nanopores of alumina membranes. The dependence of the coercivity of the arrays as a function of temperature and measurement angle of the nanowires has been measured. A simple model is presented in order to explain the behavior of the magnetic properties as a function of the angle of measurement. The analytical calculations show that while for Ni nanowires demagnetization reversal in the array is driven by means of the nucleation and propagation of a transverse wall, in Co arrays the reversal mode changes from curling to coherent when the angle of measurements changes.