Current detection of vortex motion in patterned S-shape wires with constrictions

Abstract

The current-driven effect on the vortex domain wall in a series-connected permalloy S-shape patterns was investigated. When a domain wall is initially formed in the wire section, in contrast to the ac result, applying a low dc current (J similar to 10(5) A/cm(2)) will break the degeneracy of the switching energy in different connected sections. Moreover, three kinds of effects on vortex states are observed by applying a high dc current (J similar to 10(7) A/cm(2)). The current applied slightly below the original switching field will drive vortices to constrictions while the current applied far below the original switching field will only perturb the vortex to another stable state. At the fields slightly over the original switching field, the domain walls are initially trapped at constrictions, injecting current will cause both the depinning and deformation of vortices. (C) 2006 American Institute of Physics.