Polarized neutron reflectivity from monolayers of self-assembled magnetic nanoparticles.
10 Apr 2015-Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter (IOP Publishing)-Vol. 27, Iss: 13, pp 136001-136001
TL;DR: A theoretical model fit shows that the magnetic moments of nanoparticles form quasi domain-like configurations at remanence, attributed to the dipolar coupling amongst the nanoparticles.
Abstract: We prepared monolayers of iron oxide nanoparticles via self-assembly on a bare silicon wafer and on a vanadium film sputter deposited onto a plane sapphire substrate. The magnetic configuration of nanoparticles in such a dense assembly was investigated by polarized neutron reflectivity. A theoretical model fit shows that the magnetic moments of nanoparticles form quasi domain-like configurations at remanence. This is attributed to the dipolar coupling amongst the nanoparticles.
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TL;DR: In this paper, a review of recent results obtained employing the methods listed above is preceded by the detailed theoretical consideration and exemplified by new developments addressing with PNR fast magnetic kinetics in nano-systems.
Abstract: Among a number of methods employed to characterize various types of magnetic nano-structures Polarized Neutron Reflectometry (PNR) is shown to be a unique tool providing a scope of quantitative information on magnetization arrangement over relevant scales. Deeply penetrating into materials neutron spins are able to resolve vectorial profile of magnetic induction with accuracy of a fraction of Oersted over a fraction of nano-meters. This property is exploited in measurements of specular PNR which hence constitutes the method of depth resolved vector magnetometry widely used to examine magnetic states in exchange coupled magnetic superlattices, exchange bias systems, spin valves, exchange springs, superconducting/ferromagnetic heterostructure, etc. Off-specular polarized neutron scattering (OS-PNS) measures the in-plane magnetization distribution over scales from hundreds of nanoto hundreds of micrometers providing, in combination with specular PNR, access to lateral long range fluctuations of the magnetization vector and magnetic domains in these systems. OSPNS is especially useful in studies of co-operative magnetization reversal processes in various films and multilayers laterally patterned into periodic arrays of stripes, or islands of various dimentions, shapes, internal structures, etc., representing an interest for e.g. spintronics. Smaller sizes of 10?100 nm are accessed with the method of Polarized Neutrons Grazing Incidence Small Angle Scattering (PN-GISAS), which in a combination with specular PNR and OS-PNS is used to study self-assembling of magnetic nano-particles on flat surfaces, while Polarized Neutron Grazing Incidence Diffraction (PN-GID) complete the scope of magnetic information over wide range of scales in 3D space. The review of recent results obtained employing the methods listed above is preceded by the detailed theoretical consideration and exemplified by new developments addressing with PNR fast magnetic kinetics in nano-systems.
29 citations
TL;DR: This article describes the three-dimensional self-assembly of monodisperse colloidal magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) from a dilute water-based ferrofluid onto a silicon surface and the dependence of the resultant magnetic structure on the applied field.
Abstract: This article describes the three-dimensional self-assembly of monodisperse colloidal magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) from a dilute water-based ferrofluid onto a silicon surface and the dependence of the resultant magnetic structure on the applied field. The NPs assemble into close-packed layers on the surface followed by more loosely packed ones. The magnetic field-dependent magnetization of the individual NP layers depends on both the rotational freedom of the layer and the magnetization of the adjacent layers. For layers in which the NPs are more free to rotate, the easy axis of the NP can readily orient along the field direction. In more dense packing, free rotation of the NPs is hampered, and the NP ensembles likely build up quasi-domain states to minimize energy, which leads to lower magnetization in those layers. Detailed analysis of polarized neutron reflectometry data together with model calculations of the arrangement of the NPs within the layers and input from small-angle scattering measurements p...
24 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the advantages of small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering techniques for achieving a detailed multiscale characterization of magnetic nanoparticles and their ensembles in a mesoscopic size range from 1 to a few hundred nanometers with nanometer resolution are presented.
Abstract: Magnetic nanoparticles offer unique potential for various technological, biomedical, or environmental applications thanks to the size-, shape- and material-dependent tunability of their magnetic properties. To optimize particles for a specific application, it is crucial to interrelate their performance with their structural and magnetic properties. This review presents the advantages of small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering techniques for achieving a detailed multiscale characterization of magnetic nanoparticles and their ensembles in a mesoscopic size range from 1 to a few hundred nanometers with nanometer resolution. Both X-rays and neutrons allow the ensemble-averaged determination of structural properties, such as particle morphology or particle arrangement in multilayers and 3D assemblies. Additionally, the magnetic scattering contributions enable retrieving the internal magnetization profile of the nanoparticles as well as the inter-particle moment correlations caused by interactions within dense assemblies. Most measurements are used to determine the time-averaged ensemble properties, in addition advanced small-angle scattering techniques exist that allow accessing particle and spin dynamics on various timescales. In this review, we focus on conventional small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS), X-ray and neutron reflectometry, gracing-incidence SAXS and SANS, X-ray resonant magnetic scattering, and neutron spin-echo spectroscopy techniques. For each technique, we provide a general overview, present the latest scientific results, and discuss its strengths as well as sample requirements. Finally, we give our perspectives on how future small-angle scattering experiments, especially in combination with micromagnetic simulations, could help to optimize the performance of magnetic nanoparticles for specific applications.
23 citations
TL;DR: Polarized neutron reflectometry (PNR) has played an essential role for the exploration of nanomagnetic and spintronic materials, including exchange coupled magnetic superlattices, exchange bias systems between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic films, spin valves, exchange springs between soft and hard magnetic films, superconducting proximity effects, periodic lateral magnetic patterns, and magnetic nanoparticles as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Polarized neutron reflectometry (PNR) has played an essential role for the exploration of nanomagnetic and spintronic materials, including exchange coupled magnetic superlattices, exchange bias systems between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic films, spin valves, exchange springs between soft and hard magnetic films, superconducting proximity effects, periodic lateral magnetic patterns, and magnetic nanoparticles. The main virtues of PNR are depth-resolved vector magnetometry in the film plane, high sensitivity to magnetic interfaces, and statistical analysis of magnetic domain fluctuations. Recently the capabilities of PNR have been carried over from steady state to dynamic investigations of magnetization reversal processes. This review outlines the basic theory of PNR, including specular reflectivity and off-specular scattering treated in the distorted-wave Born approximation. The theory is exemplified by model calculations and by discussions of pertinent PNR work.
15 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review the process by which magnetite nanoparticles self-assemble onto solid surfaces, focusing on neutron reflectometry studies providing information on the density and magnetization depth profiles of buried interfaces.
Abstract: In this article we review the process by which magnetite nanoparticles self-assemble onto solid surfaces The focus is on neutron reflectometry studies providing information on the density and magnetization depth profiles of buried interfaces Specific attention is given to the near-interface "wetting" layer and to examples of magnetite nanoparticles on a hydrophilic silicon crystal, one coated with (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, and finally, one with a magnetic film with out-of-plane magnetization
13 citations
Cites methods from "Polarized neutron reflectivity from..."
...[58] spin-coated iron oxide NPs onto a bare silicon wafer (with native oxide) and onto a vanadium film sputtered on sapphire....
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...The resulting SLDs for each layer in the profile are the in-plane average of these values weighted with the respective volume fraction and integrated over the coherence volume of the neutron beam [58]....
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References
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TL;DR: Practical Interests of Magnetic NuclearRelaxation for the Characterization of Superparamagnetic Colloid, and Use of Nanoparticles as Contrast Agents forMRI20825.
Abstract: 1. Introduction 20642. Synthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticles 20662.1. Classical Synthesis by Coprecipitation 20662.2. Reactions in Constrained Environments 20682.3. Hydrothermal and High-TemperatureReactions20692.4. Sol-Gel Reactions 20702.5. Polyol Methods 20712.6. Flow Injection Syntheses 20712.7. Electrochemical Methods 20712.8. Aerosol/Vapor Methods 20712.9. Sonolysis 20723. Stabilization of Magnetic Particles 20723.1. Monomeric Stabilizers 20723.1.1. Carboxylates 20733.1.2. Phosphates 20733.2. Inorganic Materials 20733.2.1. Silica 20733.2.2. Gold 20743.3. Polymer Stabilizers 20743.3.1. Dextran 20743.3.2. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) 20753.3.3. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) 20753.3.4. Alginate 20753.3.5. Chitosan 20753.3.6. Other Polymers 20753.4. Other Strategies for Stabilization 20764. Methods of Vectorization of the Particles 20765. Structural and Physicochemical Characterization 20785.1. Size, Polydispersity, Shape, and SurfaceCharacterization20795.2. Structure of Ferro- or FerrimagneticNanoparticles20805.2.1. Ferro- and Ferrimagnetic Nanoparticles 20805.3. Use of Nanoparticles as Contrast Agents forMRI20825.3.1. High Anisotropy Model 20845.3.2. Small Crystal and Low Anisotropy EnergyLimit20855.3.3. Practical Interests of Magnetic NuclearRelaxation for the Characterization ofSuperparamagnetic Colloid20855.3.4. Relaxation of Agglomerated Systems 20856. Applications 20866.1. MRI: Cellular Labeling, Molecular Imaging(Inflammation, Apoptose, etc.)20866.2.
5,915 citations
"Polarized neutron reflectivity from..." refers background in this paper
...spintronics [1, 14, 23], photonics [24], plasmonics [31] and bio-medicine [21]....
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TL;DR: In this paper, the shape of the curve of reflected x-ray intensity vs glancing angle in the region of total reflection was analyzed to study certain structural properties of the mirror surface about 10 to several hundred angstroms deep.
Abstract: Analysis of the shape of the curve of reflected x-ray intensity vs glancing angle in the region of total reflection provides a new method of studying certain structural properties of the mirror surface about 10 to several hundred angstroms deep. Dispersion theory, extended to treat any (small) number of stratified homogeneous media, is used as a basis of interpretation.Curves for evaporated copper on glass at room temperature are studied as an example. These curves may be explained by assuming that the copper (exposed to atmospheric air at room temperature) has completely oxidized about 150A deep. If oxidation is less deep, there probably exists some general reduction of density (e.g., porosity) and an electron density minimum just below an internal oxide seal. This seal, about 25A below the nominal surface plane, arrests further oxidation of more deeply-lying loose-packed copper crystallites.All measurements to date have been carried out under laboratory atmospheric conditions which do not allow satisfactory separation or control of the physical and chemical variables involved in the surface peculiarities. The method, under more controlled conditions of preparation and treatment of the surface, promises to be useful.
4,437 citations
"Polarized neutron reflectivity from..." refers methods in this paper
...We used the Parratt [30] super-recursion scheme [43] for fitting the data, taking into account the neutron spin states....
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a review of both new experimental and theoretical developments in the Casimir effect, and provide the most recent constraints on the corrections to Newtonian gravitational law and other hypothetical long-range interactions at submillimeter range.
1,388 citations
TL;DR: This Review provides a critical examination of the various interparticle forces (van der Waals, electrostatic, magnetic, molecular, and entropic) that can be used in nanoscale self-assembly.
Abstract: The ability to assemble nanoscopic components into larger structures and materials depends crucially on the ability to understand in quantitative detail and subsequently "engineer" the interparticle interactions. This Review provides a critical examination of the various interparticle forces (van der Waals, electrostatic, magnetic, molecular, and entropic) that can be used in nanoscale self-assembly. For each type of interaction, the magnitude and the length scale are discussed, as well as the scaling with particle size and interparticle distance. In all cases, the discussion emphasizes characteristics unique to the nanoscale. These theoretical considerations are accompanied by examples of recent experimental systems, in which specific interaction types were used to drive nanoscopic self-assembly. Overall, this Review aims to provide a comprehensive yet easily accessible resource of nanoscale-specific interparticle forces that can be implemented in models or simulations of self-assembly processes at this scale.
1,344 citations
Book•
01 Jan 2001
TL;DR: In this article, isolated magnetic moments are used to measure the number of magnetic moments in the magnetosphere and the order and magnetic structures of the magnetism in low-dimensional environments.
Abstract: 1. Introduction 2. Isolated magnetic moments 3. Environments 4. Interactions 5. Order and magnetic structures 6. Order and broken symmetry 7. Magnetism in metals 8. Competing interactions and low dimensionality Appendix A: Units in electromagnetism Appendix B: Electromagnetism Appendix C: Quantum and atomic physics Appendix D: Energy in magnetism and demagnetism Appendix E: Statistical mechanics Appendix F: List of symbols Index
1,161 citations
Additional excerpts
...When a high magnetic field is applied, the superspins in single domain NPs act as magnetic dipoles, which align along the field axis according to the classical Langevin function [8], overcoming the thermal energy....
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