Magnetoresistive effects in planar NiFe nanoconstrictions

Abstract

This study focuses on domain wall resistance in Ni80Fe20 nanowires containing narrow constrictions down to 15 nm in width. Distinct differences in the magnetoresistance curves were found to depend on the constriction size. Wider constrictions are dominated by the overall anisotropic magnetoresistance of the structure, while constrictions narrower than ;40 nm exhibit an additional distinct contribution from a domain wall. The effect is negative and typically varies from 1% to 5%.