Abstract
We study current-induced magnetic domain wall (DW) motion in nanostripes with reduced dimensions in which transverse-type DWs are stable. Micromagnetic simulation reveals that the depinning probability of the DW strongly depends on the DW configuration when the DW approaches the notch. The spin torque energy does not only drive DW motion but contribute to the transformation of DW configurations between transverse- and antivortex-type when the current density is above a threshold value. When the DW changes from the transverse to antivortex state, it stores potential energy which helps it to depin from the notch. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.