Investigation of Size Effect and Domain Walls on Magnetoresistance in Magnetic Nanocontacts

As our data storage devices get smaller, the magnetic sensors used to write and store the data must become more sensitive. The sensors require a higher degree of sensitivity because as the magnetic zones, or storage zones, of a storage disk become smaller and closer together, it becomes harder to distinguish different zones. Researchers at University at Buffalo have devised a method to create sensors capable of detecting weak magnetic fields and converting them into electrical signals; thus, the ability to create more sensitive magnetic sensors for data applications. The technology can also be applied to other areas that require magnetic field detection, such as detecting signals from submarines, changes in the Earth’s magnetic field, and certain defense applications.