Magnetic domain confinement using nonplanar substrates

Studies have been performed of ferromagnetic films deposited on nonplanar s ubstrates. It is shown that the step edges act as efficient localization si tes for domain boundaries. This process enables the fabrication of continuo us magnetic films whose domain boundaries can be accurately positioned by p repatterning of the substrate. Magnetoresistance data confirm the formation of separate magnetic regions and the ability to switch the magnetization o f these independently. This simple method has many applications for designi ng magnetic structures with controlled domain walls. (C) 2000 American Inst itute of Physics. [S0021-8979(00)04705-8].