Simulating Resonant Magnetization Reversals in Nanomagnets

Abstract

Magnetization reversals in magnetic recording media are largely carried out by brute force: a field is applied opposite to the existing magnetization direction of some bit that has sufficient magnitude to nucleate a seed that then grows into an oppositely magnetized bit. The fields used are generally quite large, $\sim 10$ kG, requiring elaborate magnetic circuitry to keep the fields localized so they do not spill over onto neighboring bits. This situation is to be contrasted with the resonant magnetization reversals performed in NMR spin echo experiments in which r.f. fields of a few Gauss coherently reverse the magnetization in the presence of static fields of a few kG, by applying a so-called Pi pulse; two such pulses restores the original alignment.