Domain wall creation in nanostructures driven by a spin-polarized current

Phys Rev Lett. 2006 May 12;96(18):186604. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.186604. Epub 2006 May 10.

Abstract

We report on current-driven magnetization reversal in nanopillars with elements having perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Whereas only the two uniform magnetization states are available under the action of a magnetic field, we observed current-induced Bloch domain walls in pillars as small as 50 x 100 nm(2). This domain wall state can be further controlled by current to restore the uniform states. The ability to nucleate and manipulate domain walls by a current gives insight into the reversal mechanisms of small nanoelements and provides new prospects for ultrahigh density spintronic devices.