Equilibrium states and the magnetization reversal of a linear chain of magnetic moments

Abstract

The equilibrium states and specific features of the magnetization reversal of a linear chain of magnetic moments coupled by dipole–dipole and exchange interactions have been investigated based on computer simulation. It has been revealed that, depending on the strength of the exchange interaction, the boundary between the oppositely oriented regions can have both zero and nonzero total magnetic moment. The presence of an easy-axis uniaxial anisotropy makes it possible to obtain stationary states with small domains (up to ones consisting of a single dipole). The processes of relaxation of the chain from a multidomain toward a homogeneous state have been examined.