Magnetization reversal process and nonlinear magneto-impedance in Cu/NiFe and Nb/NiFe composite wires

The magnetization reversal of Cu/NiFe and Nb/NiFe composite wires carrying AC current is studied. The frequency spectrum of a voltage induced in a pick-up coil wound around the wire is analyzed. The frequency spectrum is shown to consist of even harmonics within a wide range of AC current amplitudes and longitudinal DC magnetic fields. The strong dependencies of the harmonic amplitudes on the DC field are found. The results obtained may be of importance for the design of weak magnetic field sensors.