U.S.-France Cooperative Research: Magnetometry on Individual Nanometer-Sized Ferromagnet

University Of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln NE

Investigators

Abstract

9980705 Doudin This three-year award for U.S.-France collaboration involves Bernard Doudin and David Sellmyer from the University of Nebraska and Wolfgang Wernsdorfer of the Louis Neel Magnet Laboratory in Grenoble, France. The investigators propose to investigate the magnetic properties of individual ferromagnets with control morphology in the sub-100 nanometer dimension range using ultra-sensitive magnetic measurements at low temperatures. Experiments will be performed on magnetic needles where the shape controls the magnetization reversal mechanism. Slow-dynamic measurements will also be performed. The objective is to characterize the barrier energy and the mechanism of magnetization hopping over this barrier. The Nebraska group brings to this collaboration unique expertise in nanoscale magnetism, hard ferromagnetism, synthesis, and magnetic recording media. This is complemented by the theoretical expertise of the French group on quantum effects in magnetization reversal. It also provides access to a unique magnetometer developed by the French investigator, which uses micro SQUIDS to measure the magnetization reversal of magnets. This award represents the U.S. side of a joint proposal to the NSF and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). NSF will cover travel funds and living expenses for the U.S. investigator. The CNRS will support the visits of the French researchers to the United States. The collaboration will advance understanding of quantum mechanical properties of magnets and the approach for tailoring sample properties for application in magnetic recording media.