Novel rare-earth free magnetic nanostructures

ORAL

Abstract

Magnetic nanostructuring including stabilization of novel structures without critical elements, easy-axis alignment, and self-assembly are important for creating new magnetic materials. We use a single-step process in a cluster-deposition system to fabricate rare-earth-free nanostructured magnetic materials with potential for high-energy magnet or spintronics applications.\footnote{B. Balamurugan, B. Das, D. J Sellmyer et al., \textit{Advanced Materials}, \textbf{25}, 6090 (2013).} For example, Mn$_{5}$Si$_{3}$ nanoclusters of diameter about 8 nm form hexagonal D8$_{8}$ structure and show strong ferromagnetic properties with a high $T_{c} =$ 590 K, an appreciable $K_{1} =$ 11 Mergs/cm$^{3}$, and a high $J_{s} = $12.5 kG. This result is in a sharp contrast to the antiferromagnetic ordering observed in bulk Mn$_{5}$Si$_{3}$ with $T_{N} =$ 100 K, and is supported by DFT calculations. On the other hand, MnSi nanoclusters form B20-type cubic crystal structure and are ferromagnetic below T $=$ 25 K. Skyrmion-type spin structures have been observed in MnSi thin films and evidence for such structures in nanoclusters will be discussed.

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Authors

  • Bhaskar Das

    University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588

  • Balamurugan Balasubramanian

    University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588

  • Pinaki Mukherjee

    University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588

  • Priyanka Manchanda

    Department of Physics and Astronomy and NCMN, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, Univ of Nebraska - Lincoln, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588

  • Ralph Skomski

    Department of Physics and Astronomy and NCMN, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanosceince and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska, Univ of Nebraska - Lincoln, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588

  • George Hadjipanayis

    University of Delaware, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716

  • David Sellmyer

    Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanosceince and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska, NCMN, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588