Magnetic state control of ferromagnetic nanodots by magnetic force microscopy probe

We present the magnetic state control of individual ferromagnetic nanodots under inhomogeneous magnetic field induced by the probe of magnetic force microscope (MFM). Arrays of submicron sized elliptical ferromagnetic Co and FeCr dots with different sizes and periods were fabricated to demonstrate addressable manipulation of magnetization. MFM observations show the magnetization reversal and processes of local remagnetization of individual ferromagnetic nanodots subjected to magnetic change. Computer simulation of magnetization processes under inhomogeneous magnetic field induced by MFM probe was performed on the base of Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation for magnetization. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.