Phase field simulation on mechanically induced 180 degree switching in nanomagnets

The mechanically induced 180° switching of the magnetization in cylindrical nanomagnets is demonstrated through the switching dynamics simulation by a constraint-free phase field model which is fully magneto-mechanical coupled. By using the overrun behavior of the magnetization during the mechanically induced precessional switching, a deterministic 180° switching can be achieved. It is found that the residual torque resulting from the azimuthal-angle dependence of the magneto-elastic coupling and the overrun and precessional dynamics are responsible for the switching mechanism. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)