Transition from single-domain to vortex state in soft magnetic cylindrical nanodots

We have investigated the magnetic properties of submicron soft magnetic cylindrical nanodots using an analytical model as well as three dimensional numerical finite element simulations. A detailed comparison of the magnetic vortex state shows the differences between these two models. It appears that the magnetic surface charges play a crucial role in the equilibrium magnetization distribution especially for shifted vortices. Finally, the magnetic phase diagram for soft magnetic particles with varying aspect ratio is presented. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.