A paper published recently in the journal Particle & Particle Systems (subscription required) details the use of magnetic characterization supporting research involving the colloidal synthesis of inorganic nanocrystals for future smart material applications. The research, by scientists from the Universite Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Universite, Universite du Maine, and Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and co-authored by Brad Dodrill of Lake Shore, looked at the synthesis of Fe3−xO4-CoO oxide-based granular heterostructures for use as seeds for rock salt CoO nanocrystal growth.
X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to confirm phases of the three magnetically contrasted hetero-nanostructure designs. Low-temperature first order reversal curve (FORC) measurements were later used to characterize magnetic anisotropy and interactions of the three samples studied. A Lake Shore 8600 Series VSM was used to measure the FORCs, with FORCinel used for calculating FORC distributions and plotting of the FORC diagrams.
Low-temperature (120 K) FORC diagram recorded on one of the paper's experimental samples diluted in alumina.
From our perspective, we’re pleased to see an application in which the 8600 Series is being used for what it does best: executing FORC measurements in a fraction of the time previously available systems were able to.
Incidentally, within the past month, we received this feedback from Dr. Ramon Egli of the Austrian Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG), where a Model 8604 VSM with variable temperature options was recently installed:
“I am amazed by the improvements, especially with regard to the field control, easiness of handling, and the possibility to use scripting to program custom-made experiments. The field control precision is impressive and makes a big difference in FORC diagrams! I plan to publish a paper this year with relevant examples obtained with the new VSM.”
We look forward to seeing the published results.