[摘要]：A concept of a magnetoresistive sensor for magnetic fields based on a Au/Co-wedge/Au/Co/Au multilayer is proposed. The wedged Co layer is characterized by a laterally changing coercivity resulting from a gradient of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Its magnetization reversal in a perpendicular magnetic field takes place by movement of a single domain wall in the direction parallel to the anisotropy gradient. The magnetization reversal of the multilayer has been investigated by magnetooptical and magnetoresistive measurements. The resistance of the proposed film system correlates well with the position of the domain wall and thus it can be used to sense magnetic fields. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4704176]
