Current-induced domain wall motion in a nanowire with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

We theoretically study the current-induced magnetic domain wall motion in a metallic nanowire with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The anisotropy can reduce the critical current density of the domain wall motion. We explain the reduction mechanism and identify the maximal reduction conditions. This result facilitates both fundamental studies and device applications of the current-induced domain wall motion. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.