Control of Domain Structure in Magnetic Microwires by Combination of Torsion and Tension Stresses

In this letter we study magnetization reversal and transformation of magnetic domain structures in glass-covered magnetic microwires. Studies were performed using the magneto-optical Kerr effect technique in the presence of the combination of tension and torsion mechanical stresses. Formation and reversible transformations of the surface helical structure, induced by the combined stress, were found. Comparative analysis of the magnetic domain images and hysteresis curves gives unambiguous explanation of the character of the magnetization reversal. Spiral and elliptic structures, as basic helical structures, exist in microwires depending on the values and direction of the applied stresses.