Precise control of magnetization reversal in patterned magnetic nanostructures is a key parameter for future application in random access memories, hard disk media and, more recently, in magnetic logic devices. In the latter case, it has been demonstrated that magnetic elements could perform logic operations analogously to current microelectronic devices and a very promising scheme based on magnetic domain wall (DW) propagation in magnetic nanostructures has been proposed.

However, the relationship between DW dynamics and the structural and magnetic properties is not well understood. The aim of this project is both to understand and optimise the dynamics of domain wall propagation in magnetic nanostructures. Thus, new epitaxial magnetic multi-layers, based on binary alloys (FePt, FePd?) will be used to understand better the relationship between the microstructure and the magnetic properties. The influence of the microstructure (grains, chemical order?), defects (intrinsic or induced by patterning), geometry of the nanostructure, magnetic-features (anisotropy, DW width, DW type, exchange biased DW?) on DW dynamics will be studied by time resolved magneto-transport measurements. Single artificial defects will further be incorporated by nanolithography techniques i n order to study the DW-single defect interaction.

The final objective is to optimise the DW velocity and to drive it precisely in a nano-circuit between given positions, which is of great interest for the development of novel devices based on DW propagation capable of storing information or performing logical operations. The applicant and apos;s contrasted experience on the fabrication of magnetic epitaxial nanostructures and on the magnetic domain wall propagation and his collaborations with national and international laboratories, as well as the quality and experience on magnetism of the laboratory members that has accepted the applicant are highly suitable to successfully develop this project.