Synthesis and magnetic properties of nickel nanoparticles in magnesium fluoride matrix

Abstract

A new composite material, comprising a diamagnetic matrix (magnesium fluoride) containing metal nanoparticles (nickel), has been synthesized in a high-vacuum laser-based universal cluster ablation system. The structure and magnetic properties of the composite were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). According to TEM data, the nickel nanoparticles have a spherical shape and their dimensions are described by a narrow distribution function with an average value of 3.2 nm. An analysis of the FMR spectra reveals strong interaction between nickel nanoparticles in the composite, which accounts for an out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy and suggests the formation of granular magnetic films. (C) 2004 MAIK Nauka / Interperiodica.