Binary Ferromagnetic Nanostructures: Fabrication, Static and Dynamic Properties

Abstract The fabrication of large area binary magnetic nanostructures made from one or two ferromagnetic materials (Ni and Ni₈₀Fe₂₀) is reported using self‐aligned shadow deposition technique. The static and dynamic properties are characterized using magneto‐optical Kerr effects (MOKE) and broadband ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Compared with Ni₈₀Fe₂₀ nanomagnets made using a conventional lithographic technique from identical resist templates, tunable magnetization switching is observed with a marked increase in the coercive field and more adjustable dynamic response for the Ni₈₀Fe₂₀/Ni₈₀Fe₂₀ and Ni/Ni₈₀Fe₂₀ binary structures. The results are validated by direct domain imaging using magnetic force microscopy and micromagnetic simulations.