Nonuniform magnetization reversals in elliptical permalloy dots

Reversible and irreversible magnetization processes of the single-domain elliptical permalloy dot are studied by simulation. The magnetization curve of the reversible process obtained by applying the field along the hard axis of the elliptical dot is almost linear, as is the case in the single-domain ellipsoidal particle. Due to the occurrence of the non uniform reversal, the switching field is reduced significantly compared to that predicted by the Stoner-Wohlfarth model. The nucleation fields of elliptical dots are calculated as a function of ellipse's aspect ratio, and the function reveals a step-like behavior. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.