Shape-Dependent Switching Behavior of Exchange-Coupled Nanomagnet Stacks

We explore the switching mechanism of nanomagnet stacks that are patterned from a multilayered film and simultaneously exhibit strong shape anisotropy and antiferromagnetic exchange coupling between the ferromagnetic layers. We study the interplay of these two effects and demonstrate how they determine the switching characteristics of the magnets. Micromagnetic simulations give insight into the details of the magnetization reversal. These findings could be important in spintronic and magnetic logic applications, where both the shape and interlayer interactions can be exploited to tailor the properties of the magnetic building blocks of these devices.