The effects of geometry on magnetic response of elliptical PHE sensors

We present planar Hall effect measurements of elliptical permalloy sensors having different aspect ratios and thicknesses along with extensive numerical simulations and analytical analysis. We identify an upper limit for the sensor minor axis on the order of 1 mu m above which hysteresis effects intensify. We also find that the increased ratio between the ellipse axes and thickness enhances the magnetic response of the sensor. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3337743]