LOCALIZED MAGNETOSTRICTIVE MAGNETIZATION REVERSAL USING SCANNING PROBE TIPS

Localized magnetic reversal of a perpendicular anisotropy thin film ha s been performed using the magnetostrictive response of the film to a force applied by probe tips of scanning force microscope cantilevers. Non-magnetic and magnetic cantilever tips were used to apply local str esses which alter the local magnetization through magnetostriction. Th e magnetic held of the tip, if any, and the local demagnetizing held o f the film reverse the stressed area for stresses exceeding a critical value. These findings were in agreement with a simple model. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.