Magnetoresistance due to domain walls in micron scale Fe wires with stripe domains

The magnetoresistance (MR) associated with domain boundaries has been investigated in microfabricated bcc Fe (0.65 to 20 mu m linewidth) wires with controlled stripe domains. Domain configurations have been characterized using MFM. MR measurements as a function of field angle, temperature and domain configuration are used to estimate MR contributions due to resistivity anisotropy and domain walls. Evidence is presented that domain boundaries enhance the conductivity in such microstructures over a broad range of temperatures (1.5 K to 80 K).