1301.6452 (Se Kwon Kim et al.)

Bloch points are sticky    [PDF]

Se Kwon Kim, Oleg Tchernyshyov

Bloch points are magnetic topological defects resembling hedgehogs. The discrete nature of a magnetic lattice creates a periodic potential that can pin a Bloch point. The pinning force is of the order of the exchange constant, a few piconewtons in a typical ferromagnet (permalloy). A domain wall containing a Bloch point can have a sizable depinning field in the tens of oersted.

View original: http://arxiv.org/abs/1301.6452