Detecting domain-wall trapping and motion at a constriction in narrow ferromagnetic wires using perpendicular-current giant magnetoresistance

We present a versatile method for detecting the presence and motion of a trapped domain wall in a narrow ferromagnetic layer using current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) giant magnetoresistance (MR). The CPP-MR response to small motions of the trapped domain wall is enhanced because the CPP current is...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied physics letters 2004-08, Vol.85 (9), p.1562-1564
Main Authors: Zambano, A. J., Pratt, W. P.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:We present a versatile method for detecting the presence and motion of a trapped domain wall in a narrow ferromagnetic layer using current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) giant magnetoresistance (MR). The CPP-MR response to small motions of the trapped domain wall is enhanced because the CPP current is restricted to the region of wall trapping. We use a Permalloy ∕ Cu ∕ Permalloy spin valve in the shape of a long, ∼ 500 - nm -wide wire with a constriction (notch) near its middle that acts as a trapping site for a head-to-head domain wall. Two different notch shapes were studied, mostly at 4.2 K but also at 295 K .
ISSN:0003-6951
1077-3118
DOI:10.1063/1.1787154