103 research outputs found
Imaging magnetic vortex configurations in ferromagnetic nanotubes
We image the remnant magnetization configurations of CoFeB and permalloy
nanotubes (NTs) using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism photo-emission electron
microscopy. The images provide direct evidence for flux-closure configurations,
including a global vortex state, in which magnetization points
circumferentially around the NT axis. Furthermore, micromagnetic simulations
predict and measurements confirm that vortex states can be programmed as the
equilibrium remnant magnetization configurations by reducing the NT aspect
ratio.Comment: 14 pages, 4 figures, link to supplementary informatio
Investigating magneto-chemical interactions at molecule-substrate interfaces by X-ray photo-emission electron microscopy
The magneto-chemical interaction of spin-bearing molecules with substrates is interesting from a coordination chemistry point of view and relevant for spintronics. Unprecedented insight is provided by X-ray photo-emission electron microscopy combined with X-ray magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy. Here the coupling of a Mn-porphyrin ad-layer to the ferromagnetic Co substrate through suitably modified interfaces is analyzed with this technique
Magnetization reversal of an individual exchange biased permalloy nanotube
We investigate the magnetization reversal mechanism in an individual
permalloy (Py) nanotube (NT) using a hybrid magnetometer consisting of a
nanometer-scale SQUID (nanoSQUID) and a cantilever torque sensor. The Py NT is
affixed to the tip of a Si cantilever and positioned in order to optimally
couple its stray flux into a Nb nanoSQUID. We are thus able to measure both the
NT's volume magnetization by dynamic cantilever magnetometry and its stray flux
using the nanoSQUID. We observe a training effect and temperature dependence in
the magnetic hysteresis, suggesting an exchange bias. We find a low blocking
temperature K, indicating the presence of a thin
antiferromagnetic native oxide, as confirmed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy
on similar samples. Furthermore, we measure changes in the shape of the
magnetic hysteresis as a function of temperature and increased training. These
observations show that the presence of a thin exchange-coupled native oxide
modifies the magnetization reversal process at low temperatures. Complementary
information obtained via cantilever and nanoSQUID magnetometry allows us to
conclude that, in the absence of exchange coupling, this reversal process is
nucleated at the NT's ends and propagates along its length as predicted by
theory.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figure
Magnetic exchange coupling of a synthetic Co(II)-complex to a ferromagnetic Ni substrate
On-surface assembly of a spin-bearing and non-aromatic porphyrin-related synthetic Co(II)-complex on a ferromagnetic Ni thin film substrate and subsequent magnetic exchange interaction across the interface were studied by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and density functional theory +U (DFT + U) calculations
Direct observation of the evolving metal–support interaction of individual cobalt nanoparticles at the titania and silica interface
Understanding the metal–support interaction (MSI) is crucial to comprehend how the catalyst support affects performance and whether this interaction can be exploited in order to design new catalysts with enhanced properties. Spatially resolved soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) in combination with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Helium Ion-Milling Microscopy (SHIM) has been applied to visualise and characterise the behaviour of individual cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) supported on two-dimensional substrates (SiOxSi(100) (x < 2) and rutile TiO2(110)) after undergoing reduction–oxidation–reduction (ROR). The behaviour of the Co species is observed to be strongly dependent on the type of support. For SiOxSi a weaker MSI between Co and the support allows a complete reduction of CoNPs although they migrate and agglomerate. In contrast, a stronger MSI of CoNPs on TiO2 leads to only a partial reduction under H2 at 773 K (as observed from Co L3-edge XAS data) due to enhanced TiO2 binding of surface-exposed cobalt. SHIM data revealed that the interaction of the CoNPs is so strong on TiO2, that they are seen to spread at and below the surface and even to migrate up to ∼40 nm away. These results allow us to better understand deactivation phenomena and additionally demonstrate a new understanding concerning the nature of the MSI for Co/TiO2 and suggest that there is scope for careful control of the post-synthetic thermal treatment for the tuning of this interaction and ultimately the catalytic performance
Antiferromagnetic coupling of Cr-porphyrin to a bare Co substrate
We report the discovery of an antiferromagnetic coupling of the magnetic moment of chromium(II) tetraphenyl-porphyrin (CrTPP) molecules to the magnetization of the clean ferromagnetic Co(001) substrate. We assign this unusual molecule-substrate exchange coupling to the less than half-filled chromium 3d orbitals interacting with Co valence band electrons via porphyrin-ligand molecular orbitals. X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy are combined with DFT+U calculations and provide evidence for a surprising type of antiferromagnetic 90∘ indirect magnetic exchange coupling
Emergent dynamic chirality in a thermally driven artificial spin ratchet
This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Nature Research via the DOI in this record. Modern nanofabrication techniques have opened the possibility to create novel functional materials, whose properties transcend those of their constituent elements. In particular, tuning the magnetostatic interactions in geometrically frustrated arrangements of nanoelements called artificial spin ice1,2 can lead to specific collective behaviour3, including emergent magnetic monopoles4,5, charge screening6,7 and transport8,9, as well as magnonic response10-12. Here, we demonstrate a spin-ice-based activematerial in which energy is converted into unidirectional dynamics. Using X-ray photoemission electron microscopy we show that the collective rotation of the average magnetization proceeds in a unique sense during thermal relaxation. Our simulations demonstrate that this emergent chiral behaviour is driven by the topology of the magnetostatic field at the edges of the nanomagnet array, resulting in an asymmetric energy landscape. In addition, a bias field can be used to modify the sense of rotation of the average magnetization. This opens the possibility of implementing a magnetic Brownian ratchet13,14, which may find applications in novel nanoscale devices, such as magnetic nanomotors, actuators, sensors or memory cells.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)Royal Society (Government)University of St PoeltenEuropean Union Horizon 2020: Marie Sklodowska-Curie grantVienna Science and Technology FundSwiss National Science Foundatio
Emergent dynamic chirality in a thermally driven artificial spin ratchet
Modern nanofabrication techniques have opened the possibility to create novel functional materials, whose properties transcend those of their constituent elements. In particular, tuning the magnetostatic interactions in geometrically frustrated arrangements of nanoelements called artificial spin ice1, 2 can lead to specific collective behaviour3, including emergent magnetic monopoles4, 5, charge screening6, 7 and transport8, 9, as well as magnonic response10, 11, 12. Here, we demonstrate a spin-ice-based active material in which energy is converted into unidirectional dynamics. Using X-ray photoemission electron microscopy we show that the collective rotation of the average magnetization proceeds in a unique sense during thermal relaxation. Our simulations demonstrate that this emergent chiral behaviour is driven by the topology of the magnetostatic field at the edges of the nanomagnet array, resulting in an asymmetric energy landscape. In addition, a bias field can be used to modify the sense of rotation of the average magnetization. This opens the possibility of implementing a magnetic Brownian ratchet13, 14, which may find applications in novel nanoscale devices, such as magnetic nanomotors, actuators, sensors or memory cells
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