Information storage in permalloy modulated magnetic nanowires

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Bimodulated nanowires offer a unique geometry for magnetic applications.
• Understanding micromagnetic configurations is crucial for data storage potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the stability of magnetic configurations in a bimodulated nanowire.
• To assess the feasibility of using this nanowire as a magnetic key or for firmware storage.

Main Methods:

• Micromagnetism principles were applied to analyze system equilibrium energy.
• The stability of magnetic configurations was studied concerning modulation positions.
• A phase diagram was generated to map stable configurations.
• The system's stability was tested under external magnetic fields.

Main Results:

• The nanowire supports multiple stable magnetic configurations, simplified to four.
• Modulation positions significantly influence configuration stability.
• Domain wall pinning by modulations allows for segment independence.
• External magnetic fields above 50 mT are required to disrupt stored information.

Conclusions:

• Bimodulated nanowires are stable magnetic systems suitable for data storage.
• The prototype demonstrates feasibility for applications as a magnetic key or firmware storage device.