Switching of magnetization by non-linear resonance studied in single nanoparticles

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a novel method for magnetization reversal in nanoparticles using a combination of a sub-threshold static field and RF pulse, enabling efficient switching at nanosecond scales.

Contribution

It introduces a new technique combining static and RF fields to reverse magnetization, overcoming limitations of high field requirements in magnetic data storage.

Findings

Successful magnetization reversal in 20 nm cobalt particles

Method reduces the need for high magnetic fields

Potential applications in domain wall manipulation

Abstract

Magnetization reversal in magnetic particles is one of the fundamental issues in magnetic data storage. Technological improvements require the understanding of dynamical magnetization reversal processes at nanosecond time scales. New strategies are needed to overcome current limitations. For example, the problem of thermal stability of the magnetization state (superparamagnetic limit) can be pushed down to smaller particle sizes by increasing the magnetic anisotropy. High fields are then needed to reverse the magnetization that are difficult to achieve in current devices. Here we propose a new method to overcome this limitation. A constant applied field, well below the switching field, combined with a radio-frequency (RF) field pulse can reverse the magnetization of a nanoparticle. The efficiency of this method is demonstrated on a 20 nm cobalt particle by using the micro-SQUID technique. Other applications of this method might be nucleation or depinning of domain walls.