Angular Dependence of the Magnetic Properties of Cylindrical Nanostructures with Wire-Tube Morphology

We have investigated the angular dependence of the magnetic properties of cylindrical nanostructures comprised of a pair of nanotube and nanowire segments. We compared the magnetic behavior of these structures with the properties observed in an isolated nanowire and nanotube. Thus, we observed that the hysteresis curves of the cylindrical nanostructure with wire-tube morphology exhibits a step or plateau corresponding to a partial pinning of the domain wall at the interface between wire and tube sections. However, this step gradually disappears as we change the angle at which the external magnetic field is applied, thus enabling control of nucleation and release of a domain wall. Moreover, for small angles the nucleation and propagation of domain walls is observed, while for large angles is observed a quasi-coherent rotation. Finally, the possibility to alter the magnetization reversal mode in such nanostructures provides an attractive way to control the motion of magnetic domain walls. © 2014 IOP Publishing Ltd.