Application of the anisotropy field distribution method to arrays of magnetic nanowires

The applicability of the anisotropy field distribution method and the conditions required for an accurate determination of the effective anisotropy field in arrays of magnetic nanowires have been evaluated. In arrays of magnetic nanowires that behave as ideal uniaxial systems having only magnetostatic contributions to the effective anisotropy field, i.e., shape anisotropy and magnetostatic coupling, the method yields accurate values of the average anisotropy field at low-moderate dipolar coupling and accuracy decreases as wire packing increases. When an additional non-negligible magnetocrystalline anisotropy is present, the method is less accurate, as shown for the case of hcp Co nanowires