Antivortex state in crosslike nanomagnets

We report on results of computer micromodelling of antivortex states in asymmetrical crosslike ferromagnetic nanoparticles and their practical realization. The arrays of cobalt crosses with 1 mu m branches, 100 nm widths of the branches and 40 nm thicknesses, were fabricated using e-beam lithography and ion etching. Each branch of the cross was tapered at one end and bulbous at the other. The stable formation of antivortex magnetic states in these nanostructures during magnetization reversal was demonstrated experimentally using magnetic force microscopy.