Transition to linear domain walls in nano-constrictions

Abstract

Domain walls in nano-constrictions are investigated with a focus on thermal properties. In general, the magnetization component perpendicular to the easy axis which in a domain wall usually occurs has a value different from the easy-axis bulk magnetization value with a separate phase transition at a critical temperature below the Curie temperature. Since this effect is the more pronounced the smaller the domain wall width is we investigate it especially in domain walls with a confined geometry, using analytical arguments, mean-field theory and Monte Carlo simulations. Our findings may contribute to the understanding of magneto-resistive effects in domain walls with sizes of only a few atomic layers, as e. g. in nano-contacts or nano-constrictions.

5 pages, 6 figures, to be published in Phys. Rev. Letters