NSF-Europe: Highly Anisotropic Nano-Magnets

托莱多大学的NSF欧洲奖旨在探索不同的方法来优化具有高各向异性的薄膜磁体的生长，并确定其结构和磁性。 本论文主要研究以下几个方面的纳米磁性：（1）离子轰击法制备具有高各向异性的纳米磁体和磁性薄膜，如铁-铂薄膜和纳米结构;（2）这些纳米磁体和薄膜的结构和磁性表征;（3）利用磁性圆二色性研究元素特定的磁性表征和各向异性;（4）纳米磁性材料的磁性结构和磁性特征;（5）纳米磁性材料的磁性结构和磁性特征;（6）纳米磁性材料的磁性结构和磁性特征。（iv）研究氧化镁上的外延钒和钒-铁薄膜和纳米结构，以寻找铁磁相;以及（v）超快（飞秒）状态下的磁化动力学，特别是高各向异性材料的磁化切换。磁性薄膜和纳米磁体的加工和表征将与欧洲合作伙伴西班牙马德里微电子研究所（IMM）合作。这项研究将为数据存储材料的磁特性提供新的见解，特别是生产精细垂直磁畴的方法的潜在发展。在教育经验、多样性和外联活动方面的广泛影响非常强大，与高中生、本科生和研究生积极互动。 有计划的教育和培养活动将在整个社区和代表性不足的群体中建立科学和教育意识。

This NSF-Europe award to University of Toledo is to explore different methods to optimize the growth of thin film magnets with high anisotrophy, and to determine their structural and magnetic properties. Following aspects of thin film and nano-magnetism will be studied: (i) the growth of nano-magnets and magnetic films with high anisotropy such as Iron-Platinum films and nanostructures by ion bombardment; (ii) the structural and magnetic characterization of these nano-magnets and films; (iii) element specific magnetic characterization and anisotropy investigations using magnetic circular dichroism; (iv) the study of epitaxial Vanadium and Vanadium-Iron films and nanostructures on Magnesium Oxide to search for ferromagnetic phases; and (v) magnetization dynamics in the ultra-fast (femto-second) regime in particular the magnetization switching of high anisotropy materials. Processing and characterization of magnetic films and nano-magnets will be in collaboration with the European partner, the Institute for Microelectronics, Madrid, Spain (IMM).The research will contribute new insight into magnetic properties of materials used for data storage, especially the potential development of means to produce fine, perpendicular, magnetic domains. The broader impact in terms of educational experience, diversity and outreach activities is extremely strong, with active interactions with high school, undergraduate and graduate students. Planned education as well as fostering activities will build awareness of science and education among the community at large and for underrepresented groups.