Role of non-collinear magnetization: from ferromagnetic nano wires to quantum rings

Abstract

We consider interaction effects related to a nonuniform magnetization in ferromagnetic nanowires and their possible generalization to nanorings. First we show that the electric current in a ferromagnetic nanowire with more than one domain wall induces an exchange coupling between the walls mediated by the spin-dependent interference of scattered carriers. This interaction reveals a complex behavior as a function of mutual orientations and separation of the domain walls, thus affecting the domain wall dynamics. Then we consider how the theory should be modified in the case of a magnetized quantum ring. In this case the situation is more complicated because the vortex and onion magnetization states in the ring are not truly ferromagnetic.