Individual domain wall resistance in submicron ferromagnetic structures

Phys Rev Lett. 2002 Apr 15;88(15):157201. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.88.157201. Epub 2002 Mar 28.

Abstract

The resistance generated by individual domain walls is measured in a FePd nanostructure. Combining transport and magnetic imaging measurements, the intrinsic domain wall resistance is quantified. It is found positive and of a magnitude consistent with that predicted by models based on spin scattering effects within the walls. This magnetoresistance at a nanometer scale allows a direct counting of the number of walls inside the nanostructure. The effect is then used to measure changes in the magnetic configuration of submicron stripes under application of a magnetic field.