Reversal mechanisms in alternating width nanowires

The magnetization reversal mechanism in closely packed alternating width nanowires consisting of two sets of Ni80Fe20 nanowires of different widths w(1)=330 nm and w(2)=580 nm, alternated in an array is presented. For all the wire thicknesses studied, the reversal mechanism of the alternating width wire array is markedly different from the homogeneous width wire array. The magnetization reversal mechanism of the alternating width nanowires is due to the distinct switching fields of the two wires constituting the array, even though the wires are closely packed. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.