Magnetic reversal modes in cylindrical nanostructures: from disks to wires

Cylindrical magnetic nanowires are key elements of fast-recording and high-density 3D-storage devices. The accurate tuning of the magnetization processes at the nanoscale is crucial for the development of future nano-devices. Here, we analyzed the magnetization of Ni nanostructures with 15-100 nm in diameter and 12-230 nm in length and compared our results with experimental data for periodic arrays. Our modelling led to a phase diagram of the reversal modes where the presence of a critical diameter (d approximate to 30 nm) triggered the type of domain wall (DW) formed (transverse or vortex); while a critical length (L approximate to 100 nm) determined the number of DWs nucleated. Moreover, vortex-DWs originated from 3D skyrmion tubes, reported as one of the best configurations for storage devices. By increasing the diameter and aspect-ratio of nanowires with L > 100 nm, three reversal modes were observed: simultaneous propagation of two vortex-DWs; propagation of one vortex-DW; or spiral rotation of both DWs through corkscrew mechanism. Only for very low aspect-ratios (nanodisks), no skyrmion tubes were observed and reversal occurred by spiral rotation of one vortex-DW. The broad range of nanostructures studied allowed the creation of a complete phase diagram, highly important for future choice of nanoscaled dimensions in the development of novel nano-devices.

Automated summary

The diameter and length of cylindrical magnetic nanowires play a crucial role in determining the magnetization reversal modes and the type of domain walls formed, with critical thresholds around 30 nm and 100 nm respectively. Different diameters and aspect ratios of nanowires result in various reversal modes, providing important implications for the configuration of storage devices.