Magnetization reversal in 3D nano-structures of different shapes

Magnetic nano-particles have been intensively studied during the last decade due to their potential utilization in various applications. An important topic is the dependence of magnetic properties on the exact samples shape. After demonstrating the influence of shape distortions in magnetic nano half-spheres on magnetization reversal processes and hysteresis shapes, a series of different 3D nano-objects from permalloy with shape modifications has been examined with respect to their magnetic properties. Modifications are performed by cutting parts of diverse samples between the extrema of a cuboid and a half-sphere. Simulations of these samples have been performed by Magpar, using external magnetic fields along two different axes, swept with two different speeds. Depending on the original particle shape and its modifications, several phenomena can be found: Cutting a hole in a cuboid can switch the hard axis from out-of-plane to the in-plane direction. In some nano-particles, strong oscillations occur which can be suppressed by appropriate shape modifications. In some of the nano-objects, the magnetization reversal mechanism is completely altered by a change in the field sweeping speed. The article gives an overview of the different possibilities to tailor magnetic properties of nano-systems.