Magnetoresistance due to Domain Walls in Micron Scale Fe Wires with Stripe Domains

TL;DR

This study investigates how domain walls affect magnetoresistance in micron-scale Fe wires with stripe domains, revealing that domain boundaries can enhance conductivity across various temperatures.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the role of domain boundaries in magnetoresistance, specifically showing their conductivity-enhancing effect in microfabricated Fe wires.

Findings

Domain boundaries increase conductivity in Fe wires.

Magnetoresistance varies with field angle, temperature, and domain configuration.

Resistivity anisotropy and domain walls contribute to MR.

Abstract

The magnetoresistance (MR) associated with domain boundaries has been investigated in microfabricated bcc Fe (0.65 to 20 $\mu$m linewidth) wires with controlled stripe domains. Domain configurations have been characterized using magnetic force microscopy. MR measurements as a function of field angle, temperature and domain configuration are used to estimate MR contributions due to resistivity anisotropy and domain walls. Evidence is presented that domain boundaries enhance the conductivity in such microstructures over a broad range of temperatures (1.5 K to 80 K).