Control of domain structures and magnetotransport properties in patterned ferromagnetic wires

Observations of controlled domain structures in zigzag patterned cobalt wires are demonstrated. Distinct domain structures are accessible by changing the orientation of magnetic field using the zigzag geometry, which provides a prospective potential to design the desired magnetic structures. Utilizing the subtle technique, we further throw light on the issue of magnetoresistance induced by the different domain structures. It is found that a negative contribution to the resistance is due to the spin configuration around the corner of the zigzag wires and shows an anomalous maximum around 100 K. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0003-6951(00)02205-1].