Reversal mechanism of an individual Ni nanotube simultaneously studied by torque and SQUID magnetometry.

Using an optimally coupled nanometer-scale SQUID, we measure the magnetic flux originating from an individual ferromagnetic Ni nanotube attached to a Si cantilever. At the same time, we detect the nanotube's volume magnetization using torque magnetometry. We observe both the predicted reversible and irreversible reversal processes. A detailed comparison with micromagnetic simulations suggests that vortexlike states are formed in different segments of the individual nanotube. Such stray-field free states are interesting for memory applications and noninvasive sensing.

Cantilever magnetometry of individual Ni nanotubes.

Recent experimental and theoretical work has focused on ferromagnetic nanotubes due to their potential applications as magnetic sensors or as elements in high-density magnetic memory. The possible presence of magnetic vortex states-states which produce no stray fields-makes these structures particularly promising as storage devices. Here we investigate the behavior of the magnetization states in individual Ni nanotubes by sensitive cantilever magnetometry. Magnetometry measurements are carried out in the three major orientations, revealing the presence of different stable magnetic states. The observed behavior is well-described by a model based on the presence of uniform states at high applied magnetic fields and a circumferential onion state at low applied fields.