Magnetization reversal in Kagome artificial spin ice studied by first-order reversal curves

TL;DR

This study uses the first-order reversal curve technique to analyze magnetization reversal in Kagome artificial spin ice, revealing symmetry-dependent behaviors and magnetic interactions, advancing understanding of spin-frustrated systems.

Contribution

It introduces the application of FORC measurements to Kagome artificial spin ice, providing new insights into magnetic interactions and reversal mechanisms.

Findings

Reversal exhibits six-fold symmetry with field orientation.

Domain processes depend on field history and maximum field.

FORC reveals interactions between Dirac strings and branches.

Abstract

Magnetization reversal of interconnected Kagome artificial spin ice was studied by the first-order reversal curve (FORC) technique based on the magneto-optical Kerr effect and magnetoresistance measurements. The magnetization reversal exhibits a distinct six-fold symmetry with the external field orientation. When the field is parallel to one of the nano-bar branches, the domain nucleation/propagation and annihilation processes sensitively depend on the field cycling history and the maximum field applied. When the field is nearly perpendicular to one of the branches, the FORC measurement reveals the magnetic interaction between the Dirac strings and orthogonal branches during the magnetization reversal process. Our results demonstrate that the FORC approach provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the magnetic interaction in the magnetization reversal processes of spin-frustrated systems.