Results of the switching properties of Stoner-like magnetic particles, subject to short magnetic field pulses, obtained by numerical investigations, are reported. The switching properties are discussed as a function of the external field pulse strength and direction, pulse length, and the pulse shape. For field pulses long compared to the precession time, the switching behavior is governed by the magnetic damping term. In the limit of short field pulses, switching properties are dominated by the details of the magnetic precession. In the latter case, the magnetic damping term is of minor importance and ultrafast switching can be achieved by choosing the right field pulse parameters. It is also possible to choose pulse parameters in order to provide switching over a wide range of applied field directions.

• Received 4 June 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.61.3410