Dynamics and Reversible Control of the Bloch-Point Vortex Domain Wall in Short Cylindrical Magnetic Nanowires

Abstract

Fast and efficient switching of nanomagnets is one of the main challenges in the development of future magnetic memories. We numerically investigate the evolution of static and dynamic spin-wave (SW) magnetization in short (50--400 nm in length and 120 nm in diameter) cylindrical ferromagnetic nanowires, where competing magnetization configurations of a single vortex (SV) and a Bloch-point vortex domain wall (BP-DW) can be formed. For a limited nanowire length range (between 150 and 300 nm), we demonstrate reversible transitions induced by a microwave field (forwards) and by opposite spin currents (backwards) between topologically different SV and BP-DW states. By tuning the nanowire length, the excitation frequency, the microwave pulse duration, and the spin-current value, we show that the optimum (low-power) manipulation of the BP-DW can be achieved with a microwave excitation tuned to the main SW mode for nanowire lengths around 230--250 nm, where single-vortex domain-wall magnetization reversal via nucleation and propagation of a SV-DW transition takes place. An analytical model of the dynamics of the Bloch point provides an estimate of the gyrotropic mode frequency close to that obtained via micromagnetic simulations. A practical implementation of the method in a device is proposed, involving microwave excitation and the generation of opposite spin currents via the spin-orbit torque. Our findings open up an alternative pathway for the creation of topological magnetic memories.