Magnetization reversal in long chains of submicrometric Co dots

Long chains of 400 nm diam Co dots prepared by combined electron-beam lithography exhibit interesting magnetotransport properties. The magnetoresistance of the chains of dots is markedly different from single Co films, indicating a strongly modified magnetization reversal process. Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) shows that, after magnetic saturation, in the remanent state the single-domain dots are all oriented with their magnetic moment along the chain. A comparison of the magnetoresistance and the MFM reveals that the magnetization reversal occurs by coherent rotation of the magnetic moment in the single-domain dots forming the chain. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics.