Precessional switching of sub-micrometer magnetic elements with a perpendicular applied field

Abstract Magnetic switching in sub-micrometer permalloy-like thin film elements with shape anisotropy but no crystalline anisotropy is demonstrated by simulation using a tailored magnetic field pulse perpendicular to the sample. This switching mode is novel because no magnetic field is applied in the direction where the magnetic switch occurs. This switching mode is precessional and is significantly faster than switching modes dependent upon domain wall motion.