S. R. Deshmukh

Magnetic and transport properties of Co nanoparticles embedded in a carbon matrix

Co nanoparticles embedded in a carbon matrix have been prepared by gas condensation using a cluster gun. The magnetic, microstructural, and transport properties of the Co nanoparticles can be controlled by the volume fraction of Co particles, which is adjusted by the sputtering time of Co. With the decrease of the amount of Co, the transport properties of thin films showed a transition from a metallic to a semiconductorlike behavior. The sample with a semiconductorlike behavior showed a superparamagnetic behavior with a blocking temperature around 130K. The blocking temperature of the Co particles was found to decrease with the decrease of Co sputtering time, indicating a decrease in the average particle size because of the shorter sputtering time.

Size and Shape Control of Co Nanoparticles With a Cluster Gun

Nanoscale magnetic and nonmagnetic clusters exhibit unique structures and properties, which are strongly depending on their size and distribution. In this study, we have demonstrated the ability of our cluster gun system to fabricate magnetic nanoparticles (Co) with different size and shape, and studied their magnetic and structural and microstructural properties.