Effect of edge roughness in nano-scale magnetic bar switching

A micromagnetic simulation of switching behavior in submicron nickel bars is presented. The bars were discretized into elements 10 nm by 10 nm by 30 nm deep. The switching field and switching mechanism were found to have a strong dependence on the edge roughness of the bars. By including a rough edge, the switching held of the bars was reduced as much as 40% and produced agreement with experimental determined values.