Magnetization reversal mechanisms in 35-nm diameter Fe 1- x Ga x /Cu multilayered nanowires

In this work, magnetization reversal mechanisms in various 35 nm diameter Fe 80 Ga 20 /Cu multilayered nanowire arrays were studied by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) equipped with vector coils, making it possible to monitor both x - and y -components of the sample moment during reversal. When reversal fields were applied in the low angular range (0 - 60°), all nanowire structures, irrespective of Fe 80 Ga 20 or Cu aspect ratios, experienced reversal by nucleation and propagation of a vortex domain wall. However, when fields were applied in the high angular range of 60-90°, reversal occurred by coherent rotation. Using vector-VSM, it was further shown that in structures with pancake-like Fe 80 Ga 20 segments, the extent to which moments in adjacent segments rotate cooperatively decreased as the Cu thickness increased.