Low dimensional systems

Role of defects in the kink mechanism of state switching

B. V. Petukhov

Institute of Cristallography Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow

Abstract: State switching occurring via the kink mechanism in linear systems has been described considering the effect of defects forming centers of enhanced kink pair nucleation and obstacles for kink propagation. An equation describing the switching kinetics has been derived considering the stochastic nature of kink pair formation in time and the random distribution of defects in space. Using this equation, the average switching time has been calculated as a function of the defect density and delay times caused by defects, and the ranges of parameters with domination of this or that defect type have been determined. The theory has been applicable to magnetic nanowires, dislocations, biological macromolecules, and many other systems.

Received: 04.05.2012

 English version: Physics of the Solid State, 2012, 54:12, 2491–2496

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