Magnetization reversal in a novel gradient nanomaterial.

The deposition of Co/Pd multilayer films onto self-assembled particle arrays with particle sizes down to 50 nm leads to pronounced curvature-induced physical properties. Unlike in classical nanosystems, the so-formed single caps on top of the spherical particles exhibit a radial symmetric anisotropy orientation across their surface. Its impact on the magnetization reversal process was analyzed experimentally for different particle sizes and compared to micromagnetic simulations, offering new opportunities in the functionalization of magnetic nanostructures.