Magnetization reversal in cobalt and nickel electrodeposited nanowires

We have investigated the magnetization reversal processes in arrays of sub-micron Ni and Co wires by means of magnetization and torque experiments together with micromagnetic calculations. The wires were produced by electrodeposition in the cylindrical pores of track-etched polymer membranes. Diameters in the range 35-400 nm have been studied. The arrays of Co and Ni nanowires display different magnetic behaviors. Particular emphasis is given to the competing shape and crystal magnetic anisotropies that exist in the Co nanowire system. In both systems, explaining the experimental results requires domain formation, except for the smallest diameters where single domain behavior occurs. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.