Two Aspects of Magnetic Nanoparticle Self-Assembly on Thin-Film Multilayers: Custom Media Properties and Accurate Determination of Nanoparticle Anisotropy Constant

Author

Sara L. FitzGerald

Date of Award

Summer 2021

Document Type

Open Access Dissertation

Department

Physics and Astronomy

First Advisor

Thomas Crawford

Abstract

ZFC/FC moment versus temperature measurements are a common technique to determine magnetic properties of nanoparticles. In this work, I varied both applied field strength and nanoparticle concentration to study resulting changes in blocking temperature, T_B, and anisotropy constant, K. T_B and K values were obtained using both existing and new analytic methods. Accurate determination of these parameters helps researchers optimize the use of magnetic nanoparticles for a variety of applications, including magnetic heating, drug delivery, and magnetic field-directed self-assembly. For magnetic self-assembly particularly, not only nanoparticle properties, but also the magnetic properties of the substrate alter the pattern produced. In addition to examining the effects of field and concentration on ZFC/FC data, this work begins the journey toward custom magnetic recording media, optimized for magnetic self-assembly of nanoparticles.

Rights

© 2021, Sara L. FitzGerald

Recommended Citation

FitzGerald, S. L.(2021). Two Aspects of Magnetic Nanoparticle Self-Assembly on Thin-Film Multilayers: Custom Media Properties and Accurate Determination of Nanoparticle Anisotropy Constant. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/6485