Controlling the switching field in nanomagnets by means of domain-engineered antiferromagnets

Abstract

Using soft x-ray spectromicroscopy, we investigate the magnetic domain structure in embedded nanomagnets defined in La0.7 Sr0.3 MnO3 thin films and LaFeO3 /La0.7 Sr0.3 MnO3 bilayers. We find that shape-controlled antiferromagnetic domain states give rise to a significant reduction of the switching field of the rectangular nanomagnets. This is discussed within the framework of competition between an intrinsic spin-flop coupling and shape anisotropy. The data demonstrates that shape effects in antiferromagnets may be used to control the magnetic properties in nanomagnets.