Abstract
We have investigated the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) responses of the pseudo spin valve elliptical rings placed in close proximity with individual magnetic elements. Significant modifications to the GMR responses were observed due to the effects of magnetostatic coupling between the rings and the magnetic elements. We have shown that the stability of the vortex state in the rings can be systematically controlled by varying the orientation and position of the individual magnetic elements relative to the ring structure. Our experimental observations were verified by micromagnetic simulations.