Fabrication and magnetic properties of Fe3O4 nanowire arrays in different diameters

Fe₃O₄ nanowire arrays with different diameters of D=50, 100, 150 and 200 nm were prepared in anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates by an electrodeposition method followed by heat-treating processes. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and a Quantum Design SQUID MPMS magnetometer were used to investigate the magnetic properties. At room temperature the nanowire arrays change from superparamagnetism to ferromagnetism as the diameter increases from 50 to 200 nm. The zero-field-cooled (ZFC) and field-cooled (FC) magnetization measurements show that the blocking temperature T_B increases with the diameter of nanowire. The ZFC curves of D=50 nm nanowire arrays under different applied fields (H) were measured and a power relationship between T_B and H were found. The temperature dependence of coercivity below T_B was also investigated. Mössbauer spectra and micromagnetic simulation were used to study the micro-magnetic structure of nanowire arrays and the static distribution of magnetic moments of D=200 nm nanowire arrays was investigated. The unique magnetic behaviors were interpreted by the competition of the demagnetization energy of quasi-one-dimensional nanostructures and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy of particles in nanowires.     

The effect of Gd-doping on the charge ordering state of Bi0.3−xGdxCa0.7MnO3 (0≤x≤0.30)

The effect of Gd-doping on the charge ordering (CO) state in perovskite-type manganates Bi_0.3−xGd_xCa_0.7MnO₃ with x=0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.3 has been investigated by transport and magnetic property measurements. It is found that CO temperature (T_CO) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering temperature T_N occurring below T_CO decrease obviously with increasing Gd-doping level. Accompanying the variation of T_CO, the increased magnetization and the decreased resistivity are observed. In addition, the increased magnetic inhomogeneity has been also observed in the samples based on the difference between the zero-field-cooling (ZFC) magnetization M_ZFC and field-cooling (FC) magnetization M_FC, which is ascribed to the competition between ferromagnetic (FM) phase induced by Gd-doping and CO AFM phase. The experimental results indicate that the Bi³⁺ lone pair electron with 6s² character plays a dominating role on the CO state of Bi_0.3Ca_0.7MnO₃.     

Magnetic Behaviour and Heating Effect of Fe3O4 Ferrofluids Composed of Monodisperse Nanoparticles

Fe3O4 ferrofluids containing monodisperse Fe3O4 nanoparticles with different diameters of 8, 12, 16 and 18nm are prepared by using high-temperature solution phase reaction. The particles have single crystal structures with narrow size distributions. At room temperature, the 8-nm ferrofluid shows superparamagnetic behaviour, whereas the others display hysteresis properties and the coercivity increases with the increasing particle size. The spin glass-like behaviour and cusps near 190K are observed on all ferrofluids according to the temperature variation of field-cooled （FC） and zero-field-cooled （ZFC） magnetization measurements. The cusps are found to be associated with the freezing point of the solvent. As a comparison, the ferrofluids are dried and the FC and ZFC magnetization curves of powdery samples are also investigated. It is found that the blocking temperatures for the powdery samples are higher than those for their corresponding ferrofluids. Moreover, the size dependent heating effect of the ferrofluids is also investigated in ac magnetic field with a frequency of 55 kHz and amplitude of 200 Oe.     

Magnetic study of Mg0.95Mn0.05Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles

The magnetic properties of Mg_0.95Mn_0.05Fe₂O₄ ferrite samples with an average particle size of ∼6.0±0.6 nm have been studied using X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, dc magnetization and frequency dependent real χ^′(T) and imaginary χ^″(T) parts of ac susceptibility measurements. A magnetic transition to an ordered state is observed at about 195 K from Mössbauer measurements. The zero-field-cooled (ZFC) and field-cooled (FC) magnetization have been recorded at low field and show the typical behavior of a small particle system. The ZFC curve displays a broad maximum at , a temperature which depends upon the distribution of particle volumes in the sample. The FC curve was nearly flat below , as compared with monotonically increasing characteristics of non-interacting superparamagnetic systems indicating the existence of strong interactions among the nanoparticles. A frequency-dependent peak observed in χ^′(T) is well described by Vogel-Fulcher law, yielding a relaxation time and an interaction parameter . Such values show the strong interactions and rule out the possibility of spin-glass (SG) features among the nanoparticle system. On the other hand fitting with the Néel-Brown model and the power law yields an unphysical large value of τ₀ (∼6×10⁻⁶⁹ and 1.2×10⁻²² s respectively).     

High concentration of hematite nanoparticles in a silica matrix: Structural and magnetic properties

The α-Fe₂O₃/SiO₂ nanocomposite containing 45 wt% of hematite was prepared by the sol-gel method followed by heating in air at 200 °C. The so-obtained composite of iron(III) nanoparticles dissolved in glassy silica matrix was investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry. XRPD confirms the formation of a single-phase hematite sample, whereas TEM reveals spherical particles in a silica matrix with an average diameter of 10 nm. DC magnetization shows bifurcation of the zero-field-cooled (ZFC) and field-cooled (FC) branches up to the room temperature with a blocking temperature T_B=65 K. Isothermal M(H) dependence displays significant hysteretic behaviour below T_B, whereas the room temperature data were successfully fitted to a weighted Langevin function. The average particle size obtained from this fit is in agreement with the TEM findings. The small shift of the T_B value with the magnetic field strength, narrowing of the hysteresis loop at low applied field, and the frequency dependence of the AC susceptibility data point to the presence of inter-particle interactions. The analysis of the results suggests that the system consists of single-domain nanoparticles with intermediate strength interactions.     

Equilibrium magnetic properties of dipolar interacting ferromagnetic nanoparticles

We use Monte Carlo simulations to study the influence of dipolar interaction on the equilibrium magnetic properties of monodisperse single-domain ferromagnetic nanoparticles. Low field magnetizations simulated in zero field cooling (ZFC)/field cooling (FC) procedures and field-dependent magnetization curves above the blocking temperatures show strong dependence on the concentration and the spatial arrangement (cubic or random) of the magnetic particles. The field-dependent magnetizations can not be simply described by the T^* model at relative low temperatures due to the interplay between anisotropy and dipolar interactions, as well as the spatial arrangement effect.     

Particle size dependence of exchange-bias and coercivity in CuO nanoparticles

For CuO nanocrystals of size 6.6-37 nm, the exchange bias H_eb and coercivity H_c are measured at 5 K in zero-field-cooled (ZFC) and field-cooled (FC at 50 kOe) samples and their variations investigated as a function of particle size D. The similar 1/D variations observed for the difference coercivity ΔH_c=H_c(FC)−H_c(ZFC) and the interfacial exchange energy Δσ=H_ebM_fD are discussed in terms of the ferromagnetic magnetization M_f being produced by the uncompensated surface Cu²⁺ spins in the otherwise antiferromagnetically ordered CuO nanoparticles. This leads to the observation that the experimentally measured ΔH_c provides a good measure of Δσ in nanoparticle systems, with H_eb/ΔH_c varying as 1/M_fD.     

Exchange bias in Co nanoparticles embedded in an Mn matrix

Magnetic properties of Co nanoparticles of 1.8 nm diameter embedded in Mn and Ag matrices have been studied as a function of the volume fraction (VFF). While the Co nanoparticles in the Ag matrix show superparamagnetic behavior with T_B=9.5 K (1.5% VFF) and T_B=18.5 K (8.9% VFF), the Co nanoparticles in the antiferromagnetic Mn matrix show a transition peak at ∼65 K in the ZFC/FC susceptibility measurements, and an increase of the coercive fields at low temperature with respect to the Ag matrix. Exchange bias due to the interface exchange coupling between Co particles and the antiferromagnetic Mn matrix has also been studied. The exchange bias field (H_eb), observed for all Co/Mn samples below 40 K, decreases with decreasing volume fraction and with increasing temperature and depends on the field of cooling (H_fc). Exchange bias is accompanied by an increase of coercivity.     

Mechanical spectrum study of glass transition by a composite method

Normalized mechanical spectra of glycerol, 1,2-propanediol carbonate and poly(vinyl chloride)/di(2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate (PVC/DOP) blends were studied in the temperature range from 100 to 300 K by a composite method. The dynamic glass transition was observed, which exhibits a peak of temperature-dependent loss modulus. The peak moves toward higher temperature with higher measuring frequency, which accords with the relaxation feature of the dynamic glass transition. Another characteristic temperature can be marked in the mechanical spectrum by the onset of storage modulus change, which is labeled as T_gm. T_gm is found to be nearly equal to the calorimetric glass transition temperature in glycerol, 1,2-propanediol carbonate and di(2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate. As we expected, this onset temperature in the mechanical spectrum has an intimate relation with the calorimetric glass transition of materials, and it can be regarded as a representative when the calorimetric glass transition temperature is not available. Finally, normalized mechanical spectra of PVC/DOP blends with different PVC content were obtained and mechanical glass transition temperatures T_gm were determined.     

Magnetic susceptibility curves of a nanoparticle assembly, I: Theoretical model and analytical expressions for a single magnetic anisotropy energy

We study a model system made of non-interacting monodomain ferromagnetic nanoparticles, considered as macrospins, with a randomly oriented uniaxial magnetic anisotropy. We derive a simple differential equation governing the magnetic moment evolution in an experimental magnetic susceptibility measurement, at low field and as a function of temperature, following the well-known Zero-Field Cooled/Field Cooled (ZFC/FC) protocol. Exact and approximate analytical solutions are obtained, together for the ZFC curve and the FC curve. The notion of blocking temperature is discussed and the influence of various parameters on the curves is investigated. A crossover temperature is defined and a comparison is made between our progressive crossover model (PCM) and the crude “two states” or abrupt transition model (ATM), where the particles are assumed to be either fully blocked or purely superparamagnetic. We consider here the case of a single magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE), which is a prerequisite before considering the more realistic and experimentally relevant case of an assembly of particles with a MAE distribution (cf. part II that follows).     

Study of the magnetization and transport properties of the La(2+x)/3Sr(1−x)/3Mn1−xCrxO3 (0≤x≤0.2) system

The samples with the Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺ ratio fixed at 2:1 La_(2+x)/3Sr_(1−x)/3Mn_1−xCr_xO₃ (0≤x≤0.20) have been prepared. The magnetic, electrical transport, and magnetoresistance properties have been investigated. Remarkable transport and colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) effect, as well as cluster glass (CG) behaviors have been clearly observed in the samples studied. It was found that the Curie temperature T_c and insulator−metal transition temperature T_p1 are strongly affected by Cr substitution. The experiment observations are discussed by taking into account the variety of tolerance factors t; the effects of A-site radius 〈r_A〉 and the A-site mismatch effect (σ²).     

Synthesis and magnetic characterization of cobalt-substituted ferrite (CoxFe3−xO4) nanoparticles

Cobalt-substituted ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized with a narrow size distribution using reverse micelles formed in the system water/AOT/isooctane. Fe:Co ratios of 3:1, 4:1, and 5:1 were used in the synthesis, obtaining cobalt-substituted ferrites (Co_xFe_3−xO₄) and some indication of γ-Fe₃O₄ when 4:1 and 5:1 Fe:Co ratios were used. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) verified the presence of cobalt in all samples. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) showed bands at ∼560 and ∼400 cm⁻¹, characteristic of the metal–oxygen bond in ferrites. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the number median diameter of the particles was ∼3 nm with a geometric deviation of ∼0.2. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the inverse spinel structure typical of ferrites with a lattice parameter of a=8.388 Å for Co_0.61Fe_0.39O₄, which is near that of CoFe₂O₄ (a=8.394 Å). Magnetic properties were determined using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). Coercivities higher than 8 kOe were observed at 5 K, whereas at 300 K the particles showed superparamagnetic behavior. The anisotropy constant was determined based on the Debye model for a magnetic dipole in an oscillating field and an expression relating χ′ and the temperature of the in-phase susceptibility peak. Anisotropy constant values in the order of ∼10⁶ erg/cm³ were determined using the Debye model, whereas anisotropy constants in the order of ∼10⁷ erg/cm³ were calculated assuming Ωτ=1 at the temperature peak of the in-phase component of the susceptibility curve as commonly done in the literature. Our analysis demonstrates that the assumption Ωτ=1 at the temperature peak of χ′ is rigorously incorrect.     

Evidence for fast decay dynamics of the photoluminescence from Ge nanocrystals embedded in SiO2

We have investigated the origin of room temperature photoluminescence from ion-beam synthesized Ge nanocrystals (NCs) embedded in SiO₂ using steady state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) measurements. Ge NCs of diameter 4-13 nm were grown embedded in a thermally grown SiO₂ layer by Ge⁺ ion implantation and subsequent annealing. Steady state PL spectra show a peak at ∼2.1 eV originating from Ge NCs and another peak at ∼2.3 eV arising from ion-beam induced defects in the SiO₂ matrix. Time-resolved PL studies reveal double exponential decay dynamics on the nanoseconds time scale. The faster component of the decay with a time constant τ₁∼3.1 ns is attributed to the nonradiative lifetime, since the time constant reduces with increasing defect density. The slower component with time constant τ₂∼10 ns is attributed to radiative recombination at the Ge NCs. Our results are in close agreement with the theoretically predicted radiative lifetime for small Ge NCs.     

Spin-glass-like ordering in the spinel ZnFe2O4 ferrite

In the present study, spin-glass-like ordering has been observed in the spinel ZnFe₂O₄ ferrite. Field cooled (FC) and zero-field cooled (ZFC) DC magnetizations display divergence at low temperature, which indicates a frozen state with the freezing temperature of T_f=21 K. Frequency dependence of AC susceptibility measurement was performed on the sample. It shows a peak at around T_f, with the peak position shifting as a function of driving frequency, indicating a spin-glass-like transition of the sample. The sample shows a typical spin-glass behavior with a manifestation of non-equilibrium dynamics of the spin glass, such as aging, rejuvenation and memory effects. These experimental findings indicate that Zn-ferrite exhibits a spin-glass-like phase at low temperature and it is not canted antiferromagnetic.     

Locally frozen magnetic field in HTSC ceramics

The value of a locally frozen magnetic field in a region with a diameter of 0.5 mm in a 0.5-mm-thick YBa₂Cu₃O_{7 ? x} plate was investigated as a function of the excitation field (to 2 × 10⁴ Am^?1), plate cooling mode (in the absence or presence of a field; i.e., zero-field cooling (ZFC) or field coupling (FC)), and local demagnetizing field. Analysis of the measurement results in the noted range of excitation fields showed the following: (i) the dependence on the excitation field for the ZFC mode is explained by the local inhomogeneity of critical currents of weak links in the ceramic Josephson medium and is limited by their maximum value at the temperature of the experiment (77 K); (ii) the dependence on the excitation field for the FC mode contains a portion of the magnetic phase transition from the frozen current structure, typical of the initial portion of the dependence, to the current structure characteristic of the ZFC freezing mode, and is limited by this transition; and (iii) the dependence on the demagnetizing field for the ZFC mode can be explained by the stable coexistence (without annihilation) of microscopic current loops with opposite current directions in the ceramics.     

Shear viscosity of superfluid He-A1 at low temperatures

The shear viscosity tensor of the A₁-phase of superfluid ³He is calculated at low temperatures and melting pressure, by using the Boltzmann equation approach. The two normal and superfluid components take part in elements of the shear viscosity tensor differently. The interaction between normal and Bogoliubov quasiparticles in the collision integrals is considered in the binary, decay, and coalescence processes. We show that the elements of the shear viscosities η_xy, η_xz, and η_zz are proportional to (T/T_c)⁻². The constant of proportionality is in nearly good agreement with the experimental results of Roobol et al.     

The effect of competition between the frequency of the field and the frequency of the spin flipping on the kinetics of Ising metamagnet

We consider the effect of a variable representing the competition between the frequency of the field and the frequency of the spin flipping (Ω) on the dynamics of the metamagnetic Ising model in a cubic lattice under the presence of a time varying (oscillating) external magnetic field. The system is modelled with a formalism of master equation at a mean-field level. The time averaged staggered magnetization (Ms) acts as the order parameter and divides temperature field plane into three regions: anti-ferromagnetic, paramagnetic and coexistence of anti-ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases. It is observed that the topology of the dynamical phase diagram depends strongly on Ω as well as the ratio between interlayer and intralayer couplings.     

Mean work functions effective for negative-ionic, electronic and positive-ionic emissions from polycrystalline surfaces

To elucidate the thermionic property of polycrystalline surfaces, a further study is made on the mean work functions (φ⁻, φ^e and φ⁺) effective for negative-ionic, electronic and positive-ionic emissions. Comparison between theoretical analyses and experimental data yields the conclusions as follows. (1) The equation of φ⁻ = φ^e holds always with both mono- and polycrystalline surfaces. (2) The relation of φ⁻ = φ^e < φ⁺ applies to polycrystalline surfaces because they bear the thermionic contrast (Δφ^* ≡ φ⁺ − φ^e > 0). (3) The value of Δφ^* ranges from ∼0.4 to 0.9 eV depending upon the surface species of polycrystalline metals (e.g., W, Re and Pt), whilst Δφ^* = 0 for monocrystalline surfaces. (4) When the degree of monocrystallization (δ_m) is less than ∼50%, the theoretical value of Δφ^* is virtually independent of δ_m and agrees well with experimental data, nearly the same within ±0.1 eV among the so-called “polycrystalline” surfaces of W. (5) As δ_m increases beyond ∼80 up to 100%, Δφ^* decreases rapidly down to 0 eV, showing again a good agreement between theory and experiment. (6) Our theoretical model is valid in evaluating the effective mean work functions, irrespective of the range of δ_m.     

Effect of annealing and Mn doping on the photoluminescence of strontium tartrate crystals

Strontium tartrate crystals (STC) were grown in gel using the single tube diffusion method. Powder XRD and FTIR spectroscopy were used for the characterization of the crystal. The optical band-gap (Eg) of STC is found to be 5.46 eV. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of STC are recorded at different annealing temperature and concentration of dopant Mn. The spectral peaks (λ_em) of strontium tartrate photoluminor lie around 417, 440, 513 and 620 nm with excitation wavelength (λ_exc)=379 nm. The peaks at 417, 513 and 620 nm correspond to transitions ²P_1/2⁰→²S_1/2, ¹D⁰→³P⁰ and ¹S→³P⁰, respectively of Sr. The PL peak observed around 440 nm corresponds to the a⁴D_7/2→a⁶S_5/2 transition of Mn.     

Raman scattering and optical absorption studies of an orbital ordered Ca2RuO4

We have reported the Raman scattering and infrared absorption results on a t_2g orbital ordered Ca₂RuO₄. At 10 K, a strong and clear peak was observed in Raman scattering near 1360 cm⁻¹ with x′x′ geometry. In contrast to optic phonon modes, the peak does not show any frequency shift but rapidly decreases with increasing temperature. In addition, the peak is not observed in infrared absorption measurement. By comparing the previous Raman scattering results for several transition metal oxides, we have discussed the possible origins and ambiguities of the intriguing peak in Ca₂RuO₄.