PHYS 438 |
| The rational design and fabrication of self-assembled structured magnetic materials has emerged as very exciting research area due to potential applications in magnetic recording media, photonic devices, and other next generation technologies. Nanosphere lithography (NSL) is a powerful fabrication technique based on the self-assembly of uniform micro- to nanometer diameter spherical beads that produces large-area arrays of nanostructures with precisely controlled shape, size, and inter-particle spacing. NSL provides capabilities to produce nanoscale features, with high periodicity using simple techniques that are highly reproducible. The use of magnetic metals in the formation of the NSL pattern produces a pattern which distorts an external magnetic field to form local high and low field regions, directing the formation of high fidelity patterns in magnetic materials. We will describe the preparation and characterization of the magnetic NSL-derived patterns using cobalt, nickel, and other magnetic metals, particularly focusing on controlling size and geometry of the resulting metal arrays. In this context, we will discuss geometric potential and limitations of the NSL technique for use in magnetic patterning approaches. We have used such arrays of magnetic spots to produce long-range order in magnetic materials, on longer length scales than are possible in the absence of the directing array. We will present data on the characterization of the arrays, the disposition and alignment of the magnetic materials with respect to the directing metal, and the fidelity of the long-range ordering capabilities of the approach. Our discussion will include new materials and composites along with potential applications in devices, sensors, and multi-functional systems. |
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PHYS Poster Session - Nanostructured Materials and Nanophotonics
7:30 PM-10:00 PM, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster
Division of Physical Chemistry |