NIRT: Template-Constrained Magnetic Nano-materials: Synthesis and Characterization

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This proposal was submitted in response to the solicitation "Nanoscale Science and Engineering" (NSF 01-157). The project aims to establish an interdisciplinary research and training team to:1) synthesize and characterize mono-disperse particles ranging in size from 5 to 24 nanometers prepared by biomineralization within protein cages; 2) to assemble the magnetic particles in two-dimensional arrays of micron size and characterize the physical structure and magnetic properties of the assemblies; 3) assemble and characterize random and ordered two-dimensional arrays formed from binary mixtures of magnetically distinct nanoparticles; 4) fine tune the magnetic properties of these assemblies by incorporating chemical cross-links and spin-coupling modulators to control inter-particle magnetic interactions. The precise control of both particulate properties and inter-particulate interactions will provide for immediate applications in important areas such as superior performance magnetic memory, sensors, and ultra-high speed device architectures. The broader impacts on education resulting from an interdisciplinary research program using state-of-the-art synthesis and multi-facetted characterization will be significant. Continued advances in ultra-high speed electronics and super dense memory requires the synthesis, development and use of new magnetic materials as superior performance magnetic memory, sensors, and devices. The interdisciplinary nature of this research, containing elements of virology, microbiology, physics, and chemistry, will not only provide new magnetic materials for significant advances in the information technologies, it will also provide a superb training environment for future scientists and engineers in many other nanotechnology areas of high priority to industry and national security. The project is jointly supported by the Division of Materials Research, the Chemistry Division, and the Division of Biological Infrastructure.