Magnetic properties of ultrathin Co(0001) films on vicinal Si(111) substrate

In the present work we report on magnetization reversal process, anisotropy and domain structures in ultrathin Au/Co(0001)/Au films deposited on vicinal Si(111) substrates. The measurements were performed using a magneto-optical Kerr effect based magnetometer, a polarizing optical microscope and a ferromagnetic resonance spectrometer. Co thickness induced spin-reorientation from out-of-plane into in-plane magnetization was studied. Changes of in-plane magnetic anisotropy symmetry were deduced from shapes of magneto-optical hysteresis loops and from analysis of angular dependences of the resonance field. The experimental data have been discussed taking into account both uniaxial out-of-plane anisotropy and step-induced uniaxial in-plane anisotropy. A preferential orientation of domain walls in 3ML thick Co films was observed. The finding is explained by the step-induced magnetic anisotropy

A graphical method for performance mapping of machines and milling tools

Optimal design of the machining setup in terms of installed machines, cutting tools and process parameters is of paramount importance for every manufacturing company. In most of the metal cutting companies, all choices related to machine eligibility and cutting parameters selection typically come from heuristic approaches and follow supplier indications or base on the skill of experienced machine operators. More advanced solutions, such as model-based and virtual approaches, are adopted less frequently mainly due to the lack of these techniques in grasping the underlying knowledge successfully. Aim of this work is to introduce a synthetic graphical representation of machining centers and cutting tools capabilities, to provide an accessible way to evaluate the feasibility and close-to-limit conditions of the cutting process. Taking inspiration from previous scientific works from the measurement engineering field, a set of 2D and 3D graphs are presented to map machine, tools and process capabilities, as well as their obtainable manufacturing performances and expectable tool life. This approach synthesizes the nominal data coming from different sources (catalogues, database, tool model geometries etc.) and the real cutting tools parameters used during the production phase. Some examples are provided to show the potential of this graphical evaluation in supporting process planning and decision-making and in formalizing the machining setup knowledge. Further developments are devoted to extend the method to other manufacturing processes, including hybrid processes. At the same time, an in-process data gathering software will be integrated for building a solid database that can be used by an autonomous multi-technological process selector, as well as by a pre-process condition advisor in an Industry 4.0 oriented way

Spin dynamics in magnetic films patterned into dots and wires

An experimental study of spin wave quantization in arrays of micron size magnetic Ni80Fe20 islands (dots and wires) by means of Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy is reported. Dipolar-dominated spin wave modes laterally quantized in a single island with quantized wavevector values determined by the size of the island are studied. In the case of wires the frequencies of the modes and the transferred wavevector interval, where each mode is observed, are calculated. The results of the calculations are in a good agreement with the experimental data. In the case of circular dots the frequencies of the lowest observed modes decrease with increasing distance between the dots, thus indicating an essential dynamic magnetic dipole interaction between the dots with small interdot distances

INTERFACIAL DEFECTS IN GaAs/Si AFTER ANNEALING

The threading defects involved in the GaAs/Si heterostructure have been studied in as-grown and annealed specimens. Their origin is related to the imperfections of the interface : impurities, roughness and discontinuities of misfit dislocation network. Large parts of the GaAs layer are almost free of stress in the annealed specimen. Residual stresses and defects are located at the boundaries between the Lomer dislocation arrays. Small antiphase domains are also observed

Plasmonics for biosensing - a pluridisciplinary approach

International audienc

Self-organized metallic islands on nano-patterned silicon substrate

Combining the self-organized growth of nanometer size islands with the use of a pre-patterned substrate, the fabrication of a metallic nanoparticle array with sub-100 nm period is demonstrated. The array pattern is artificially defined through conventional lithography on a Si substrate. Two passivation steps are used first ex situ with a wet hydrogenation followed by the in situ formation under ultrahigh vacuum of an Au-Si wetting layer. This allows for the subsequent nucleation and growth of Au on an atomically clean surface. The long range order of the nanoparticle array is preserved over the whole millimeter-size patterned area

Anisotropic magnetic coupling of permalloy micron dots forming a square lattice

Static magnetic and spin wave properties of square lattices of permalloy micron dots with thicknesses of 500 Å and 1000 Å and with varying dot separations have been investigated. A magnetic fourfold anisotropy was found for the lattice with dot diameters of 1 micrometer and a dot separation of 0.1 micrometer. The anisotropy is attributed to an anisotropic dipole-dipole interaction between magnetically unsaturated parts of the dots. The anisotropy strength (order of 100000 erg/cm^3 ) decreases with increasing in-plane applied magnetic field

Spin dynamics in magnetic films patterned into dots and wires

An experimental study of spin wave quantization in arrays of micron size magnetic Ni80Fe20 islands (dots and wires) by means of Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy is reported. Dipolar-dominated spin wave modes laterally quantized in a single island with quantized wavevector values determined by the size of the island are studied. In the case of wires the frequencies of the modes and the transferred wavevector interval, where each mode is observed, are calculated. The results of the calculations are in a good agreement with the experimental data. In the case of circular dots the frequencies of the lowest observed modes decrease with increasing distance between the dots, thus indicating an essential dynamic magnetic dipole interaction between the dots with small interdot distances