Strain Based Control of Magnetic Domain Walls

This work investigates the applicability of strain induced magnetic anisotropy in the control of magnetic domain walls in magnetically soft magnetostrictive nanostructures. The mechanical coupling of piezoelectric and magnetostrictive materials is investigated as a method of controlling the strain in the magnetic material. Two systems have been investigated. The first is a magnetic nanoring containing two transverse magnetic domain walls subjected to uniaxial strain and a rotating field. For this system an analytical model and finite element analysis are used to predict the effect of strain induced anisotropy on the domain walls. Experimental data for the system has also been presented. The second system is a notched magnetic nanowire subjected to uniaxial strain. The change depinning fields of domain walls from the notch at varying strains have been simulated and measured experimentally.