Robert S. DiPietro

Determining Magnetic Nanoparticle Size Distributions from Thermomagnetic Measurements

Thermomagnetic measurements are used to obtain the size distribution and anisotropy of magnetic nanoparticles. An analytical transformation method is described which utilizes temperature-dependent zero-field cooling magnetization data to provide a quantitative measurement of the average diameter and relative abundance of superparamagnetic nanoparticles. Applying this method to self-assembled MnAs nanoparticles in MnAs–GaAs composite films reveals a log-normal size distribution and reduced anisotropy for nanoparticles compared to bulk materials. This analytical technique holds promise for rapid assessment of the size distribution of an ensemble of superparamagnetic nanoparticles.

Large low field magnetoresistance in La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 nanowire devices

Large low field magnetoresistance (LFMR) of about 28% is observed in La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 nanowires with 80 nm in diameter at T=300 K. A gradual decrease in the LFMR has been found with increase in wire diameter. The LFMR drops to zero for wires above 280 nm in diameter. The nanowires are grown by means of electrospinning process and exhibit distorted orthorhombic crystal structure. The large LFMR is considered as a grain boundary effect as observed in several perovskite systems. The large LFMR observed in these manganites with reduced dimensions may be useful for room temperature device applications.