Magnetization reversal process in elliptical permalloy nanodots

Using the Vectorial Magneto-Optic Kerr Effect (V-MOKE) and numerical simulations, we have investigated the magnetization reversal process in arrays of 15-nm-thick Permalloy nanometer-scale dots, having elliptical shape and eccentricity, varying from 1 to 2.5. V-MOKE hysteresis loops revealed that the magnetization reversal is incoherent for elements with eccentricity of 1 and 1.5, while it becomes an almost perfect coherent magnetization rotation for elements with eccentricity equal to 2 and 2.5. In the latter case, the V-MOKE loops agree well with those predicted by the Stoner-Wohlfarth model for particles with uniaxial magnetic anisotropy. We were able to reproduce the V-MOKE results with micromagnetic simulations, gaining a deeper insight into the magnetic configurations that develop during the reversal process. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.