Structure and the magnetic and magneto-optical properties of Co-Sm-O nanogranular films

The magnetic properties and magneto-optical effects in nanocomposites based on Co-Sm-O films prepared through pulsed plasma sputtering of a SmCo₅ target are investigated. It is shown that, depending on the technological conditions and regimes of subsequent annealing, the films can have different structures from cobalt nanoparticles distributed in the dielectric samarium oxide matrix with a magnetic phase volume of more than 60% to a continuous polycrystalline cobalt film with embedded samarium oxide nanoparticles. The evolution of the spectra of the magneto-optical Kerr effect and the field dependences of the magnetization is studied as a function of the film structure.     

Ion beam synthesis and investigation of nanocomposite multiferroics based on barium titanate with 3d metal nanoparticles

Samples of nanocomposite multiferroics have been synthesized by implantation of Co⁺, Fe⁺, and Ni⁺ ions with an energy of 40 keV into ferroelectric barium titanate plates to doses in the range (0.5–1.5) × 10¹⁷ ions/cm². It has been found that nanoparticles of metallic iron, cobalt, or nickel are formed in the barium titanate layer subjected to ion bombardment. With an increase in the implantation dose, the implanted samples sequentially exhibit superparamagnetic, soft magnetic, and, finally, strong ferromagnetic properties at room temperature. The average sizes of ion-synthesized 3d-metal nanoparticles vary in the range from 5 to 10 nm depending on the implantation dose. Investigation of the orientation dependence of the magnetic hysteresis loops has demonstrated that the samples show a uniaxial (“easy plane”) magnetic anisotropy typical of thin granular magnetic films. Ferromagnetic BaTiO₃: 3d metal samples are characterized by a significant shift of the ferromagnetic resonance signal in an external electric field, as well as by a large (in magnitude) magnetodielectric effect at room temperature. These results indicate that there is a strong magnetoelectric coupling between the ferroelectric barium titanate matrix and ion-synthesized nanoparticles of magnetic metals.     

Magneto-optical polarization spectroscopy with soft X-rays

X-ray magneto-optical polarization spectroscopy is a relatively new ellipsometric technique with which the complete polarization state of X-ray radiation after its interaction with magnetic matter can be measured. This comprises rotation and ellipticity, which fully quantify the lights polarization. Employing this technique, the complete magneto-optical constants in the X-ray regime can directly be obtained, in contrast to the more commonly used intensity-only measurements. The Faraday and magneto-optical Kerr effects, being odd with respect to magnetization reversal, can be used for the examination of ferromagnetic (FM) materials. This we demonstrate here with Faraday and Kerr rotation and ellipticity spectra, measured at the 2p edges of Fe, Co, and Ni. The Voigt effect and magnetic linear dichroism (XMLD), which are even with respect to magnetization reversal, are applied to probe both FM and antiferromagnetic (AFM) materials. Using a new XMLD-reflection spectroscopy we present results obtained on technologically important buried AFM NiO layers. PACS 78.20.Ls; 78.70.Dm; 75.70.-i     

Magnetite nanoparticles embedded in biodegradable porous silicon

Magnetite nanoparticles, which are coated with oleic acid in a hexane solution and exhibit an average diameter of 7.7 nm, were embedded in a porous silicon (PS) matrix by immersion under defined parameters (e.g. concentration, temperature, time). The porous silicon matrix is prepared by anodization of a highly n-doped silicon wafer in an aqueous HF-solution. Magnetic characterization of the samples has been performed by SQUID-magnetometry. The superparamagnetic behaviour of the magnetite nanoparticles is represented by temperature-dependent magnetization measurements. Zero field (ZFC)/field cooled (FC) experiments indicate magnetic interactions between the particles. For the infiltration into the PS-templates different concentrations of the magnetite nanoparticles are used and magnetization measurements are performed in respect with magnetic interactions between the particles. The achieved porous silicon/magnetite specimens are not only interesting due to their transition between superparamagnetic and ferromagnetic behaviour, and thus for magnetic applications but also because of the non-toxicity of both materials giving the opportunity to employ the system in medical applications as drug delivery or in medical diagnostics.     

Magnetic-Field-Induced Optical Second-Harmonic Generation Study of Co/Pt and Co/Ta Interfaces

Magnetic properties of an interface between cobalt and platinum or tantalum nanolayers have been studied by the optical second-harmonic generation and nonlinear magneto-optical Kerr effect methods. It has been shown that a high sensitivity of the second-harmonic generation method makes it possible to determine the orientation of the easy magnetization axis in the plane of a polycrystalline structure without measurement of the magnetic field dependence of second-harmonic generation. The comparison of the field dependences of magnetic-field-induced second-harmonic generation with the linear magneto-optical effect indicates the difference in the processes of magnetization reversal in Co/Pt and Co/Ta interfaces and the bulk of the cobalt film. In particular, a new linear in magnetization effect has been observed in the second harmonic that is symmetry-forbidden for uniformly magnetized structures.     

Structure and magneto-optical properties of “porous silicon-cobalt” granular nanocomposites

The structural and magneto-optical properties of “porous silicon-cobalt” nanocomposites prepared through electrochemical deposition on silicon substrates of different porosities are investigated. It is revealed that, under galvanostatic conditions, cobalt micrograins are formed only in a surface layer of porous silicon. The greater the pores in silicon, the larger the mean size of the ferromagnetic micrograins. The nanocomposites thus fabricated possess ferromagnetic properties and, at specified compositions, are characterized by anomalously large magnitudes of the equatorial or transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (TMOKE). The magneto-optical properties of the nanocomposites are simulated in the Bruggeman effective-medium approximation. It is shown that the anomalous negative transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect is associated with the oxidized state of porous silicon in the vicinity of the ferromagnetic metal micrograins.     

FMR and TEM Studies of Co and Ni Nanoparticles Implanted in the SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Matrix

Fused silica plates have been implanted with 40 keV Co⁺ or Ni⁺ ions to high doses in the range of (0.25–1.0) × 10¹⁷ ions/cm², and magnetic properties of the implanted samples have been studied with ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) technique supplemented by transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The high-dose implantation with 3d-ions results in the formation of cobalt and nickel metal nanoparticles in the irradiated subsurface layer of the SiO₂ matrix. Co and Ni nanocrystals with hexagonal close packing and face-centered cubic structures have a spherical shape and the sizes of 4–5 nm (for cobalt) and 6–14 nm (for nickel) in diameter. Room-temperature FMR signals from ensembles of Co and Ni nanoparticles implanted in the SiO₂ matrix exhibit an out-of-plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy that is typical for thin magnetic films. The dose and temperature dependences of FMR spectra have been analyzed using the Kittel formalism, and the effective magnetization and g-factor values have been obtained for Co- and Ni-implanted samples. Nonsymmetric FMR line shapes have been fitted by a sum of two symmetrical curves. The dependences of the magnetic parameters of each curve on the implantation dose and temperature are presented.     

Nongyrotropic magneto-optical effects in metal-insulator magnetic multilayer thin films

Nongyrotropic magneto-optical effects are investigated in metal-insulator magnetic multilayer thin films. These effects manifest themselves in changes in the coefficients of transmission and reflection of electromagnetic radiation from the surface of a multilayer film due to the crossover of the magnetic structure from an antiferromagnetic configuration to a ferromagnetic configuration. The nongyrotropic magneto-optical effect observed in reflected light is analyzed theoretically. It is assumed that the multilayer structure is exposed to radiation of a monochromatic plane wave polarized along the direction of magnetization of the film. The magneto-optical effect is described in terms of the permittivity tensor of the multilayer medium, which depends only on the light frequency. The Boltzmann kinetic equation is treated with allowance made for spin-dependent electron scattering both inside conducting layers and at rough interfaces. Using an Fe/C multilayer as an example, it is demonstrated that the nongyrotropic magneto-optical effect is equal in order of magnitude to the equatorial Kerr effect or other strong magneto-optical effects.     

Anisotropic ferromagnetism induced in rutile single crystals by Co implantation

The magnetic and electrical properties of Co-implanted single crystalline TiO₂ rutile are presented. For fluences of the order of 10¹⁷ cm^-2 and implantation energy of 150 keV the maximum atomic concentration of cobalt is 13 at% at a depth of 65 nm from the surface. The as implanted single crystals exhibit superparamagnetic behaviour attributed to the formation of nanosized cobalt clusters. After annealing at 1073 K an anisotropic ferromagnetic behaviour emerges with the easy magnetization axis lying in the (001) plane of rutile. The ferromagnetic behaviour is associated with oriented cobalt aggregates. Electrical conductivity of the implanted samples annealed in vacuum also exhibits anisotropic behaviour at low temperatures, but no magnetoresistive effects were detected.     

一种完整测量磁光克尔效应和法拉第效应的方法

详细给出了一种测量完整克尔和法拉弟效应的原理和实验装置。该装置简单可靠,安全由计算机控制。利用傅里叶变换方法,实验系统可以在从０．０１度至几百度的克尔和法拉第旋转角范围内以及在１．５￣６．０ｅＶ的光子能量范围内,准确地测量克尔和法拉第旋转角范围内以及在１．５￣６．０ｅＶ的光子能量范围内,准确地测量克尔和法拉第效应的绝对值。作为实验测量的例子,给出了ＭｎＢｉＡｌ合金薄膜样品和ＧａＰ块状样品的克尔和法     

Nonlinear magneto-optical Kerr effects

The polarization state of a second-harmonic wave after reflection from a semi-infinite, optically isotropic magnetic medium is considered for the three characteristic uniformmagnetization directions corresponding to the linear magneto-optical Kerr effects. Expressions for the complex amplitudes of the wave field which specify the nonlinear Kerr effects, viz., the polar, meridional, and equatorial effects, are obtained in a first approximation with respect to the magnetization. The dependences of these effects on the angle of incidence of the inducing wave obtained as a result of a numerical experiment are presented. Analytical formulas are found for them at small angles of incidence. A comparative analysis of the linear and nonlinear Kerr effects is made. Zh. éksp. Teor. Fiz. 116, 141–156 (July 1999)     

Influence of induced anisotropy on the processes of magnetization reversal of cobalt circular nanodots

The magnetic structure and the processes of magnetization reversal of individual cobalt nanodots and arrays of cobalt nanodots have been studied using the magneto-optical Kerr effect and magnetic force microscopy. Arrays of nanodots have been prepared by ion etching from a continuous cobalt film. Magnetic anisotropy is induced during deposition of the cobalt films. The nanodots have the diameter d = 600 nm and the period varying from 1.5d to 3.0d. Magnetic force microscopy images have shown that the induced magnetic anisotropy affects the orientation of magnetization of noninteracting nanodots and the direction of displacement of the magnetic vortex center in the nanodots coupled by the dipole-dipole interaction.     

磁光效应的各向异性和非线性特性

应用经典电磁场理论和（间接）交换作用有效场概念，推导了顺磁性、铁磁性、反铁磁性和亚铁磁性介质中的磁光效应及其温度特性。理论分析表明，法拉第磁光效应具有各向异性特性；法拉第旋转不仅与顺磁性和铁磁性介质中的磁化强度Ｍ或反铁磁性和亚铁磁性介质中的次晶格磁化强度Ｍｉ的非线性项有关，而且还应与Ｍ或Ｍｉ的高次项有关。（间接）交换作用是导致磁光效应、磁光效应各向异性以及它们的复杂温度特性的重要原因。理论较为圆满     

Magnetic and magneto-optical properties of epitaxial cobalt films grown on a corrugated CaF<Subscript>2</Subscript>/Si surface

The magnetic properties of CaF₂/Co/CaF₂(110)/Si(001) heterostructures fabricated by molecular-beam epitaxy and having a corrugated CaF₂ buffer surface were studied. The optical and magneto-optical properties of these structures reflect the C _2v symmetry of the corrugated structure surface. The studies of hysteresis loops using the longitudinal and transverse magneto-optical Kerr effects under oblique light incidence and of magneto-optical phenomena under near-normal light incidence demonstrate that the corrugated structure surface leads to optical and magneto-optical anisotropies. The magnetization of such structures occurs via coherent magnetization rotation over a wide magnetic-field range. The magnetic anisotropy of these structures is described using a Gaussian distribution of easy axes of magnetization in cobalt granules about the direction parallel to the groove direction. The asymmetry of hysteresis loops of the rotation of the plane of polarization detected under oblique and normal light incidence is shown to be related to the contributions to the effective film permittivity that are quadratic in the magnetic moment.     

Damped precession of the magnetization vector of superparamagnetic nanoparticles excited by femtosecond optical pulses

The ultrafast magnetization and electron dynamics of superparamagnetic cobalt nanoparticles, embedded in a dielectric matrix, have been investigated using femtosecond optical pulses. Our experimental approach allows us to bypass the superparamagnetic thermal fluctuations and to observe the trajectory of the magnetization vector which exhibits a strongly damped precession motion. The magnetization precession is damped faster in the superparamagnetic particles than in cobalt films or when the particle size decreases, suggesting that the damping is enhanced at the metal dielectric interface. Our observations question the gyroscopic nature of the magnetization pathway when superparamagnetic fluctuations take place as we discuss in the context of Brown's model.     

Magneto-optical Kerr effect enhancement at the Wood's anomaly in magnetoplasmonic crystals

Magneto-optical Kerr effect enhancement in longitudinal and transversal configurations is systematically studied in one- and two-dimensional magnetoplasmonic crystals based on the nanostructured nickel films. Spectral dependences of magneto-optical effects demonstrate resonant features with the Fano-type lineshape in the spectral vicinity of the Wood's anomaly associated with excitation of surface magnetoplasmons in Voigt and Faraday configurations, respectively.     

非线性克尔效应对飞秒激光偏振的超快调制

研究了近红外飞秒激光的偏振在太赫兹频率的超快调制.利用抽运-探测光谱技术,通过改变两个脉冲之间的延迟时间可以控制光脉冲的旋转角.在Li：NaTb（WO₄）₂磁光晶体中观察到探测光的偏振随延迟时间变化的高速振荡,振荡信号的中心频率为0.19 THz.这种超快偏振调制现象可以解释为,抽运-探测实验构置中,前向传播的抽运光诱导的光学克尔非线性引起被晶体远端表面所反射的背向传播的探测光脉冲偏振面的额外旋转.通过改变抽运光的圆偏振旋性可以控制探测光调制信号的相位和振幅.实验结果表明,非线性光学克尔效应可以作为一种全新的手段,在磁光晶体中实现近红外飞秒激光以太赫兹频率的超快偏振调控.这将在超快磁光调制器等全光器件中得以应用.实验结果将有助于偏振依赖的超快动力学过程的研究.     

Magnetism of Fe clusters formed by buffer-layer assisted growth on Pt(997)

The growth and magnetism of nanometer size Fe clusters on stepped Pt surfaces is investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements (MOKE). The clusters are formed on xenon buffer layers of varying thickness and then brought into contact with the substrate by thermal desorption of the Xe. The cluster size is controlled by the thickness of the Xe layer. It is found that clusters of diameter smaller than the Pt terrace width of 2 nm are aligned along the step edges of the Pt(997), thus forming linear cluster chains. In this arrangement, the clusters are ferromagnetic with an easy axis in the direction along the surface normal. If the cluster diameter is larger than the terrace width then the alignment along the step edges is not observed and rather large agglomerates are found which are randomly distributed over the surface. Despite their increased volume, such agglomerates are superparamagnetic with in-plane easy magnetization axis. The enhanced magnetic anisotropy energy in the smallest clusters is originating from hybridization effects at the Fe-Pt interface.     

One-dimensional assemblies of silica-coated cobalt nanoparticles: Magnetic pearl necklaces

Silica-coated cobalt nanoparticles were found to organize into chains when driven by a weak external magnetic field. Strong dipole–dipole magnetic interactions are believed to be the driving force of the self-organization once the cobalt nanoparticles undergo the superparamagnetic to ferromagnetic (SP–FM) transition, as increasing their size during the synthesis process. The method, although simple, produces structures resembling pearl necklace-like structures, comparable to one-dimensional species obtained in more laborious processes. Molecular dynamic simulations taking magnetic dipolar forces into account reproduce the observed self-assembled structures. The nanoscale engineering of this type of colloids is expected to extend the spectrum of magnetic effects and functionalities.     

Magnetooptical,optical, and magnetotransport properties of Co/Cu superlattices with ultrathin cobalt layers

We investigated the field dependences of the magnetization and magnetoresistance of superlattices [Co(t _x, Å)/Cu(9.6 Å)]30 prepared by magnetron sputtering, differing in the thickness of cobalt layers (0.3 Å ≤ t _Co ≤ 15 Å). The optical and magnetooptical properties of these objects were studied by ellipsometry in the spectral region of hω= 0.09–6.2 eV and with the help of the transverse Kerr effect (hω= 0.5–6.2 eV). In the curves of an off-diagonal component of the tensor of the optical conductivity of superlattices with t _Co = 3–15 Å, a structure of oscillatory type (“loop”) was detected in the ultraviolet region, resulting from the exchange splitting of the 3d band in the energy spectrum of the face-centered cubic structure of cobalt (fcc Co). Based on magnetic experiments and measurements of the transverse Kerr effect, we found the presence of a superparamagnetic phase in Co/Cu superlattices with a thickness of the cobalt layers of 3 and 2 Å. The transition from superlattices with solid ferromagnetic layers to superparamagnetic cluster-layered nanostructures and further to the structures based on Co and Cu (t _Co = 0.3–1 Å) with a Kondo-like characteristics of the electrical resistivity at low temperatures is analyzed.