Domain structure and magnetoresistance in Ni 81Fe19 zigzag wires

Abstract Domain wall (DW) contribution to the magnetoresistance (MR) is illustrated by direct observation of field-dependent magnetic force microscope images that are correlated with MR curves for micron sized zigzag wires. The Permalloy zigzag wires were formed using focused ion beam milling, a simple one-step microfabrication technique. Our results show domain walls cause a decrease in the resistance that is more closely associated with the creation of a large amount of DWs in each segment of the zigzag wire than with the DWs pinned at the corners.