Magnetic and resonance properties of Fe nanowire arrays on oxidised step-bunched silicon templates

• We carry out FMR and VSM investigations of planar nanowire (NW) arrays of Fe.
• Experimental results are supported by model calculations and simulations.
• The Fe NWs are ferromagnetic at room temperature.
• Magnetisation reversal of NWs has a coherent-rotation type of localised character.
• Localisation of the magnetisation reversal mode depends on inhomogeneity of NWs.

Room-temperature magnetic properties of planar nanowire arrays of Fe have been studied using comprehensive analysis of FMR and magnetometry data. It has been shown that the Fe NWs are ferromagnetic at room temperature and their magnetic properties are mainly governed by shape anisotropy. Combining parameters derived from the FMR study with experimental data of magnetometry, simulations of hysteresis loops have been performed based on Stoner–Wohlfarth approach. Calculations show that magnetisation reversal of Fe NWs has a coherent-rotation type of localised character. As NW thickness decreases, localisation of the magnetisation reversal mode is found to enhance due to increased inhomogeneity of thinner NWs.