In the last decade, there has been growing interest in the study of both static and dynamic properties of ferromagnetic nanostructures due to advances in nanofabrication techniques (top-down and bottom-up approaches), nano-characterization tools and advanced computational methods. Nanomagnets are of scientific interest both from a fundamental viewpoint and also due to their potential in a wide range of applications such as non-volatile magnetic random access memory (MRAM), highly sensitive magnetic field sensor, field programmable spin logic, and patterned media for ultra high density data storage.

Nanofabrication technologies used in the microelectronic industry are not always compatible with magnetism because the process involves oxidation which will degrade the integrity of the magnetic films. It is also not possible to use reactive ion beam etching to pattern magnetic films because it is difficult for the reactive gases to form volatile compounds when in contact with magnetic materials. We are actively researching into various advance nanofabrication techniques for synthesizing magnetic nanostructures. In the last 2 years, we have developed, robust large are nanofabrication technique based on deep ultra violet lithography at 248nm exposure wavelength.

Further Readings:

“Fabrication of large area Nanomagnets” N. Singh, S. Goolaup and A. O. Adeyeye, Nanotechnology, Vol. 15, pp. 1539-1544, October 2004

"Coercivity variation in Ni80Fe20 Ferromagnetic Nanowires" S. Goolaup, N. Singh and A. O. Adeyeye, IEEE Transactions on Nanotechnology, Vol. 4, Issue 5, 523, 2005

"Coercivity variation in Ni80Fe20 Ferromagnetic Nanowires" J.Wang, A.O Adeyeye and N.Singh, Appl. Phys. Lett. Vol. 87, 262508, 2005

"Magnetization reversal mechanisms in diamond-shaped Co nanomagnets" S. Goolaup, A.O. Adeyeye, and N. Singh, Physical Review B 73, 104444-1 to 104444-8, 2006

For further information contact Dr. Adekunle Adeyeye