Magnetization reversal in diamond-shaped pseudo-spin-valve nanomagnets

Abstract

A systematic investigation of the magnetization reversal process of diamond-shaped Ni80 Fe20 (10 nm) Cu (tCu nm) Ni80 Fe20 (40 nm) pseudo-spin-valve nanostructures is presented. The structures were fabricated on silicon substrate using deep ultraviolet lithography at 248 nm exposing wavelength. By carefully selecting two ferromagnetic layer thicknesses, with different reversal mechanisms, we have created a magnetic structure with unique magnetic properties. We observed that the magnetization reversal process of the spin valve is strongly influenced by the Cu spacer layer thickness. Our experimental results were substantiated with a three-dimensional micromagnetic simulation. © 2005 American Institute of Physics.