Magnetization switching utilizing the magnetic exchange interaction

Abstract

We demonstrate the feasibility of observing and inducing magnetization switching using the distance dependence of the magnetic exchange interaction. The experiments were performed employing an atomic force microscopy setup on the antiferromagnetic iron monolayer on the (001) surface of tungsten with magnetic tips that behaved like independent superparamagnetic clusters with uniaxial anisotropy. Applying the N\'eel-Brown law, we were able to determine energy barriers from lifetimes measured at different distances with and without external magnetic field. Our findings suggest that the distance dependence of the magnetic exchange interaction can be utilized to monitor and control magnetization dynamics on the atomic level.