Single-Vertex Engineering of Domain Wall Motion in Artificial Spin Ice

In artificial spin ice (ASI) systems, where fabricated magnetic nanoislands meet at vertices, domain wall (DW) motion through these vertices plays a crucial role in determining the overall magnetic response. Among various vertex configurations, Y-shaped vertices are particularly interesting due to their asymmetric energy landscape, which influences DW propagation and stability. Efficient injection and control of transverse DWs (TDWs) are essential for reconfigurable magnetic states and functional spintronic applications. Using micromagnetic simulations, we investigate the effect of local distortions in Y-vertices on TDW dynamics. Small distortions modify energy barriers and affect DW transmission, while large distortions significantly alter TDW behavior, leading to distinct magnetic configurations. Our results reveal that both the degree of distortion and applied field strength dictate the achievable magnetic states, demonstrating a tunable route to controlling DW dynamics. These insights into vertex-mediated TDW manipulation provide a pathway for optimizing ASI-based spintronic devices with tailored magnetic properties.