Crystalline Anisotropy Research Articles

Variation of magnetic properties by heat treatment of dispersed oriented sheets using plate-shaped strontium ferrite particles

Abstract Plate-shaped hexagonal SrFe12O19 particles synthesized using the molten salt method were dispersed in a resin, and oriented sheets were prepared by coating the dispersion onto quartz substrates. The oriented sheets on quartz substrates were heat treated at 300–900 ℃. The variations in the coercive force and squareness of the oriented sheets before and after heat treatment were examined. The coercive force remarkably increased with increasing heat treatment temperature, exhibiting a maximum increase rate of approximately 16 % in the heat treatment at 800 ℃. The increase in coercive force suggests a reduced effect of shape anisotropy due to the stacking of the plate surfaces, caused by the removal of resin between the particles; this highlights the influence of crystalline anisotropy.

Microstructural, magnetic, and optical properties of nickel-doped spinel zinc ferrite nanoparticles

This study focuses on the synthesis of nickel-substituted zinc ferrite nanoparticles, , via the sol-gel method and examines how nickel substitution influences their structural, magnetic, and optical properties. The lattice constant of the nanoparticles, which varied from 8.4296 Å to 8.4212 Å, decreased as the nickel concentration increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the morphology, revealing grain sizes between 46 and 53 nm, while energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the elemental composition, showing nearly spherical nanoparticles containing all the constituent elements. The magnetic properties were analyzed using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), which highlighted significant differences between the theoretical and experimental magnetic moments, indicating the presence of Yafet-Kittel magnetic ordering in the system. The saturation magnetization was enhanced by ions, reaching a maximum value of 23.864 emu/g. This enhancement makes the nickel-substituted zinc ferrite nanoparticles suitable for applications in data recording media and magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, the values of the magnetic crystalline anisotropy constant, initial permeability, effective anisotropy constant, and anisotropic field of the synthesized samples were estimated.The optical properties of the synthesized samples were evaluated using UV-visible spectroscopy, and the band gap was determined through diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The optical bandgap of pure zinc ferrite was measured to be 2.26 eV, and it decreased with increasing nickel concentration in the nanoparticles.

Exploring the effect of exchange coupling in (SrFe9.8Al2La0.2O19)1-x/(Co0.7Zn0.3Fe2O4)x nanocomposites synthesised by sol–gel auto combustion method

Extensive research has been conducted over the last decade to develop permanent magnets utilizing less rare earth materials. Exchange-coupled nanocomposite magnets are a fascinating development in the field of permanent magnets. They involve the combination of hard and soft ferrites, resulting in a unique and evolving magnet. Here we present an in-depth structural, morphological and magnetic characterization of ferrite-based nanostructures obtained through a bottom-up sol−gel approach. The combination of high coercivity of a hard phase SrFe9.8Al2La0.2O19 (SFALO) and high saturation magnetization of a soft phase, Co0.7Zn0.3Fe2O4 (CZFO), allowed us to develop exchange-coupled bi-magnetic nanocomposites by varying the mass percentage (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 1). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) up to 1200 °C was used to investigate the material’s thermal properties with the phase formation temperature. Detailed atomic/nano-scale structural characterizations of these nanocomposites were performed by X-ray diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy. The average particle size was calculated from the SEM analysis and it was observed that most of the composites with ratio x = 0.1, 0.3 & 0.4 was 145 nm and x = 0.2 was 165 nm. The Switching Field Distribution (SFD) curve revealed the exchange coupling between soft and hard magnetic particles. The findings indicate that the inclusion of a soft magnetic phase has a considerable impact on the exchange coupling between the hard and soft ferrite phases. As the spinel concentration increased, in the composite the saturation magnetization increased from 18 emu/g to 48 emu/g. From the stroner-wholfrathmodel, the decrease in the remanence ratio below 0.5 concludes the crystallites are randomly oriented. The nanocomposite with the ratio x = 0.1 was observed with the high magneto crystalline anisotropy of 2183.23 × 102 (J/m3) and a high energy product (BH)max of 5.5 kJ/m3. The aforementioned features of nanocomposites demonstrate their potential for use in permanent magnet applications.

Role of grain-level chemo-mechanics in composite cathode degradation of solid-state lithium batteries

Solid-state Li-ion batteries, based on Ni-rich oxide cathodes and Li-metal anodes, can theoretically reach a high specific energy of 393 Wh kg−1 and hold promise for electrochemical storage. However, Li intercalation-induced dimensional changes can lead to crystal defect formation in these cathodes, and contact mechanics problems between cathode and solid electrolyte. Understanding the interplay between cathode microstructure, operating conditions, micromechanics of battery materials, and capacity decay remains a challenge. Here, we present a microstructure-sensitive chemo-mechanical model to study the impact of grain-level chemo-mechanics on the degradation of composite cathodes. We reveal that crystalline anisotropy, state-of-charge-dependent Li diffusion rates, and lattice dimension changes drive dislocation formation in cathodes and contact loss at the cathode/electrolyte interface. These dislocations induce large lattice strain and trigger oxygen loss and structural degradation preferentially near the surface area of cathode particles. Moreover, contact loss is caused by the micromechanics resulting from the crystalline anisotropy of cathodes and the mechanical properties of solid electrolytes, not just operating conditions. These findings highlight the significance of grain-level cathode microstructures in causing cracking, formation of crystal defects, and chemo-mechanical degradation of solid-state batteries.

A level-set method for simulating solid-state dewetting in systems with strong crystalline anisotropy

Accurately modeling solid-state dewetting in materials with strong crystalline anisotropy is an open problem in materials science with importance for both the manufacturing and reliability of nano-scale devices. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a level-set method framework for simulating solid-state dewetting which is capable of modeling systems with strongly anisotropic surface energies and diffusivities. Surface energy anisotropy is handled through the use of the Cahn-Hoffman vector construction, and surface self-diffusivity anisotropy is handled through the use of a diffusivity tensor. We benchmark our method against isotropic phenomena with analytical descriptions and go on to demonstrate that our method is capable of reproducing a host of experimentally observed behaviors in strongly anisotropic single-crystal materials.

Effect of Ferromagnetic Exchange Interaction and Crystalline Anisotropy on a Double-Cubic Spin-½ Spin-1 Ising System with a Free Surface

In this study, we employ Monte Carlo simulations to explore the magnetic characteristics of a double-cubic spin-½ and spin-1 ferromagnetic Ising superlattice system, focusing on the impact of surface exchange coupling, anisotropy, and layer thickness. We implemented free boundary conditions along the dimension with an exposed surface. Our findings illuminate the key role played by surface exchange coupling (JAS), which significantly influences the critical temperature (Tc), underscoring its ability to strengthen ferromagnetic interactions within the system. In contrast, the compensation temperature (Tcomp) exhibits relative stability. Furthermore, we unveil the crucial influence of crystalline anisotropy on Tcomp, with higher anisotropy values leading to its augmentation, while Tc remains unaffected. Moreover, when the number of layers is increased from 11 to 21, a marked rise in Tc is observed, accompanied by a minor increment in Tcomp, particularly evident under negative anisotropy conditions.

Magnetic response of Ho3+ doped Ni0.4Cu0.6HoyFe2-yO4 spinel ferrites and their correlation with crystallite size

This study investigates the magnetic response of Ho3+ doped Ni0.4Cu0.6HoyFe2-yO4 (y = 0.0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08) spinel ferrites (SFs) and their correlation with crystallite size. The synthesis was achieved using a sol-gel auto-combustion (SGAC) route and performed different characterizations, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. The cubic spinel phase was verified via XRD in pure NCF and Ho3+ doped NCF samples. The lattice constant (a) was improved from 8.344 Å to 8.378 Å. The substitution of Ho3+ ions led to a decrease in porosity from 42.22 % to 39.54 %. The introduction of Ho3+ ions also reduced the crystallite size (D) from 37.05 nm to 27.72 nm. The specific surface area (S) was increased from 27.44 g/cm2 to 36.14 g/cm2 with the doping of Ho3+. The average particle size (DS) was decreased from 54 nm to 35 nm. The EDX and ICP-AES analyses confirmed the good agreement with the theoretical composition. The VSM measurements provided insights into their magnetic properties. Furthermore, the doping of Ho3+ ions enhanced coercivity (HC), while reducing saturation magnetization (MS) from 64.35 emu/g to 16.22 emu/g. The decrease in crystalline anisotropy (K) observed at higher concentrations of Ho3+ may result from the increase in coercivity, potentially attributable to the smaller crystallite size of the single-domain SFs particles. The single-phase matrix and their magnetic behaviour showed that the Ho3+ doped Ni–Cu SFs samples are suitable for high-frequency applications.

Elucidation of structural, electromagnetic, and optical properties of Cu–Mg ferrite nanoparticles

Copper doped magnesium ferrite, Mg1-xCuxFe2O4(x = 0.0–1.0) nanomaterials were synthesized via. sol-gel method sintered at 600 °C for 2 h. The synthesized materials were characterized using modern sophisticated techniques viz. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy, Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Vibrating sample magnetometer, UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectra and Impedance analyzer. XRD analysis revealed that all the samples were single phase cubic spinel structure with Fd3m space group and investigated the change in structural parameters with copper concentration. The average crystallite size in the range of 11–23 nm and lattice parameters decrease with increasing Cu doping, due to the cationic distribution and ionic radius. The SEM images show the agglomeration of the particles with spherical like shape and elemental percentage were obtained from EDX. The saturation magnetization showed an increasing trend with increasing Cu concentration at a certain level and then decreases due to the rearrangement of cations at tetrahedral and octahedral sites. The Coercivity, Retentivity and magnetic crystalline anisotropy increase with changing dopant concentration. The magnetic measurements showed enhanced saturation magnetization at certain level (28.96emu/gm) and increase in coercivity up to 1102 Oe with changing dopant concentration. The estimated band gap energy is found to increase with Cu content. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and impedance show normal behavior of ferrite. The frequency dependent dielectric constant decrease and tan delta shows a relaxation behavior at low frequencies. The synthesized nano Mg–Cu nanoparticles will be applied as humidity sensor, gas sensor, microwave devices and photocatalyst.

Beyond the standard model of topological Josephson junctions: From crystalline anisotropy to finite-size and diode effects

A planar Josephson junction is a versatile platform to realize topological superconductivity over a large parameter space and host Majorana bound states. With a change in the Zeeman field, this system undergoes a transition from trivial to topological superconductivity accompanied by a jump in the superconducting phase difference between the two superconductors. A standard model of these Josephson junctions, which can be fabricated to have a nearly perfect interfacial transparency, predicts a simple universal behavior. In that model, at the same value of Zeeman field for the topological transition, there is a π phase jump and a minimum in the critical superconducting current, while applying a controllable phase difference yields a diamond-shaped topological region as a function of that phase difference and a Zeeman field. In contrast, even for a perfect interfacial transparency, we find a much richer and nonuniversal behavior as the width of the superconductor is varied or the Dresselhaus spin–orbit coupling is considered. The Zeeman field for the phase jump, not necessarily π, is different from the value for the minimum critical current, while there is a strong deviation from the diamond-like topological region. These Josephson junctions show a striking example of a nonreciprocal transport and superconducting diode effect, revealing the importance of our findings not only for topological superconductivity and fault-tolerant quantum computing but also for superconducting spintronics.

Synthesis and characterization of BaIrO3-doped YBCO superconducting thin films via TFA-MOD technique

High-temperature superconducting materials (HTS) are characterized by remarkably high critical current density (Jc) values when exposed to low temperatures and magnetic fields. In the realm of such investigations, various crystalline imperfections, including finely dispersed non-superconducting phases, dislocations, vacancies, grain boundaries, twin boundaries, antiphase boundaries, and insulating regions within grain boundaries, have been recognized as potential sources of pinning centers. However, it is essential to acknowledge that Jc values experience a rapid decline as the temperature rises in the presence of a magnetic field. The primary contributing factors to this decline are attributed to the intrinsic crystalline anisotropy of HTS materials and the thermal fluctuations that prevail at elevated temperatures. Nevertheless, a noteworthy factor in the diminishment of Jc values is the scarcity of efficacious pinning centers. In response to these challenges, a pioneering technology has emerged, revolving around nanostructure engineering for the deliberate creation of artificial pinning centers within HTS materials. In alignment with this approach, the present study endeavors to augment the critical current density and enhance the flux pinning properties of YBa2Cu3O6.56 (YBCO) superconducting films. This augmentation is achieved through the integration of BaIrO3 (BIO) perovskite nanodots, nanorods, or nanoparticles as strategically positioned pinning centers. The films are deposited on a SrTiO3 (STO) substrate employing the Trifluoroacetate Metal–Organic Deposition (TFA-MOD) technique. This research initiative seeks to contribute to the advancement of knowledge regarding the controlled manipulation of artificial pinning centers in HTS materials, particularly focusing on YBCO thin films, with the ultimate goal of enhancing their performance under the influence of elevated magnetic fields.

Single phase metamaterial behavior in [formula omitted] and [formula omitted] doped cobalt ferrites

This paper reports the characteristic properties of CoFe2O4(CFO), Co0.98Ag0.02Fe2O4(CAFO), and Co0.98Ti0.02Fe2O4(CTFO) spinel ferrites of Fd3‾m space group and grain size in the range of 160 – 170 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectra of these samples have revealed the metal-oxygen bands in the range of 448– 542 cm−1. Raman spectra have shown six distinct peaks corresponding to the mixed spinel structure, which have been used to calculate the cation distribution of the samples. The magnetic measurement at room temperature shows that after the doping of Ti4+ ions, the saturation magnetization increases from 47.70 to 66.68 emu/g, and coercivity decreases from 1.84 to 1.61 kOe, making the sample magnetically softer. The law of approach to saturation magnetization has been used to estimate the value of magneto crystalline anisotropy constant. The dielectric behavior of the samples has been thoroughly studied in this paper. The dielectric constant is positive below 300 °C; its value is comparable for CFO and CAFO samples but higher for CTFO. Above this temperature, the samples show an uncommon behavior of negative dielectric constant corresponding to the single phase metamaterial state and its value increases as temperature rises. This behavior can be interpreted with the help of Drude model of plasmonic resonance. The Nyquist plots change their properties from RC to RL type in this region. Such single phase metamaterials with negative dielectric constant could be useful for high temperature microwave applications.

Exploring nonlinear optical absorption in cobalt-doped Nickel–Zinc nanomaterials

This study emphasises on synthesis of ferrite nano powders via hydrothermal route within the compositional range of Ni0 65Zn0.35CoxFe(2-2x/3) O4 (x = 0.00 to 0.05 in steps of 0.01 wt%). Structural analysis via XRD and FTIR unveiled the cubic spinal structure, confirmed by signature absorption bands existence in the infrared spectra. The FESEM analysis revealed the morphological characteristics of ferrite crystals, while characterizations indicated a diminution in crystallite sizes from 53 to 37 nm. The magnetic behaviour displayed the existed correlation between Ms and Y–K angles along with finite size effects of the samples. Notably, low coercively values (0.13 Oe to 1.09 Oe) and magneto crystalline anisotropy pointed towards the magnetic quality of the ferrites with soft nature. Exhibited dielectric loss factor near 10−1, and ac-conductivity (σac) within the range of 10−5S/m to 10−4S/m of the samples indicates their improved dielectric properties. Further analysis from UV–vis. Diffuse reflectance (UV-DRS), PL spectroscopy, and Raman studies exhibits slight variations in optical band gaps, and vibrational modes due to varying cobalt doping concentrations. The evaluation of optical limiting characteristics using the Z-scan technique revealed absorption coefficients ranging from 1.40 to 4.80 × (10−10 m/W) and onset limiting values between 1.93 W/m2 and 1.11 W/m2. These findings position the Ni–Zn–Co ferrites as promising contenders for optical limiting applications owing to their optical nonlinearity and absorption characteristics.

Microstructure and texture control of Ni-Mn-Ga magnetic shape memory alloys manufactured by laser powder bed fusion

The Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) process was used to manufacture Ni-Mn-Ga polycrystalline samples. The initial powders with a fine particle size of about 20 µm were firstly prepared by a ball milling from melt-spun ribbons. The microstructure and texture evolution of Ni-Mn-Ga alloy manufactured by LPBF were investigated employing SEM, TEM, and synchrotron radiation diffraction. Using two different scanning strategies, optimization of laser parameters and post-processing heat treatment, a homogeneous microstructure with a strong crystallographic texture was obtained. The localized heating/cooling conditions allow obtaining a layered structure with preferred <100> fiber orientations along the growth direction. The crystal structure and crystallographic texture drastically change when the laser oscillation mode is chosen. The strong crystalline anisotropy and layered-type microstructure have a significant impact on twining flow behavior giving rise to an anisotropic mechanical response. The variant reorientation during mechanical training is realized by the so-called orthogonal shearing. It is also shown that the resulting crystal structure and characteristic transformation temperatures are strongly dependent on chemical composition related to Mn losses and internal stresses along with chemical order creating metastable phases due to the extremely high cooling rate upon the 3D printing. Therefore, all the above parameters are thoroughly monitored during the three-stage fabrication process.

Tuning the coercivity of synthetic antiferromagnetic nanoplatelets with perpendicular anisotropy by varying the Co1−xBx alloy composition

Synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) nanoplatelets (NPs) with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy based on archetype SAF structures, e.g., Pt/Co/Ru/Co/Pt are of particular interest for torque-related bio-applications due to their large uniaxial magnetic anisotropy. However, when the diameter of the NPs is reduced, the magnetic properties change. For instance, the coercive field increases and starts to vary strongly from NP to NP in a batch due to an increased variation in the reversal probability dominated by local defects. In this study, we investigate how the concentration of boron (B) in Co1−xBx affects the switching properties of NPs, because the addition of B renders the Co layer amorphous and hence introduces more defects. Moreover, it reduces variations in local crystalline anisotropy making the magnetic properties of the NPs more soft. Specifically, we show that the coercivity of the NPs decreases with higher B concentration. This decrease is explained by two mechanisms: (i) the loss of interfacial anisotropy due to less Co–Pt hybridization at the Pt–Co interface and (ii) an increase in the surface’s magnetic domain nucleation site density leading to a narrower distribution of the coercivity of an ensemble of NPs. This understanding will greatly help the field of NP-torque related applications as the spread in applied torque from the NPs to their surroundings can be homogenized.

Visualizing thickness-dependent magnetic textures in few-layer Cr2Ge2Te6

Magnetic ordering in two-dimensional (2D) materials has recently emerged as a promising platform for data storage, computing, and sensing. To advance these developments, it is vital to gain a detailed understanding of how the magnetic order evolves on the nanometer-scale as a function of the number of atomic layers and applied magnetic field. Here, we image few-layer Cr2Ge2Te6 using a combined scanning superconducting quantum interference device and atomic force microscopy probe. Maps of the material’s stray magnetic field as a function of applied magnetic field reveal its magnetization per layer as well as the thickness-dependent magnetic texture. Using a micromagnetic model, we correlate measured stray-field patterns with the underlying magnetization configurations, including labyrinth domains and skyrmionic bubbles. Comparison between real-space images and simulations demonstrates that the layer dependence of the material’s magnetic texture is a result of the thickness-dependent balance between crystalline and shape anisotropy. These findings represent an important step towards 2D spintronic devices with engineered spin configurations and controlled dependence on external magnetic fields.

Multi-characterization and antipathogenic bacterial activities of cerium doped manganese nano ferrites: Structural, and magnetic insights

Due to the uniqueness and the variation of the ionic radius and oxidation states of the implanted transition metals within nano ferrites structure, The nano ferrites are integrated into many technologies including biomedical application the current study aims to optimize the effect of cerium-dopant on the magnetic behavior and antimicrobial properties of manganese nano ferrites. Cerium-doped manganese nano ferrites are synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method followed by thermal annealing at 500 °C. and investigate the dopant effects on its magnetic behavior and antibacterial properties for biomedical applications. The cubic spinel ferrite is successfully formed and CeO2 and Fe2O3 have appeared as minor phases. The particle size is found to be 20–60 nm. The Ce0.05Mn0.95Fe2O4 nano ferrite exhibits the highest saturation magnetization of about 20.47 emu/g with 118.22 Oe as coercivity. EPR factors were affected due to crystalline anisotropy that appeared inside the CexMnX-1Fe2O4 spinel ferrites nanomaterials. In comparison to chloramphenicol, cerium nanoparticles exhibited promising inhibitory action against six pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Serratia plymuthica). All cerium treatments showed suitable antibacterial activities. However, the treatments of X = 0.000, X = 0.025, and X = 0.050 were the most effective. For Gram-negative bacteria, the best treatment was X = 0.025, while for Gram-positive isolates, the best treatment was X = 0.050 with MIC 5–10 µg/ml. Our finding, open the pathway to integrate cerium doped manganese nano ferrites in biomedical application including against human pathogenic bacteria.

Controlling crystal cleavage in focused ion beam shaped specimens for surface spectroscopy.

Our understanding of quantum materials is commonly based on precise determinations of their electronic spectrum by spectroscopic means, most notably angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and scanning tunneling microscopy. Both require atomically clean and flat crystal surfaces, which are traditionally prepared by in situ mechanical cleaving in ultrahigh vacuum chambers. We present a new approach that addresses three main issues of the current state-of-the-art methods: (1) Cleaving is a highly stochastic and, thus, inefficient process; (2) fracture processes are governed by the bonds in a bulk crystal, and many materials and surfaces simply do not cleave; and (3) the location of the cleave is random, preventing data collection at specified regions of interest. Our new workflow is based on focused ion beam machining of micro-strain lenses, in which shape (rather than crystalline) anisotropy dictates the plane of cleavage, which can be placed at a specific target layer. As proof-of-principle, we show ARPES results from micro-cleaves of Sr2RuO4 along the ac plane and from two surface orientations of SrTiO3, a notoriously difficult to cleave cubic perovskite.

Structural, optical, dielectric and magnetic properties of Cd substituted copper strontium W-type hexaferrite

Hexaferrites, with their exceptional crystalline anisotropy, substantial coercivity, tuneable cations, and high magnetic hardness, are crucial as permanent magnets in applications such as information storage, sensors, high-frequency and microwave-absorbing devices. In this study, the focus was on synthesizing copper and cadmium-substituted strontium W-type hexagonal ferrites (SrCu2-xCdxFe16O27) with varying x values of 0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.04. To comprehensively investigate their structural, morphological and optical characteristics, several analytical techniques were employed, including XRD, SEM, FT-IR spectroscopy and UV–Vis spectroscopy along with dielectric and magnetic techniques. The XRD analysis showed a minimum crystallite size of 13 nm for x = 0.0 and a maximum of 21 nm for x = 0.04. The morphology was examined through SEM, affirming the characteristic structure of W-type hexaferrites. FT-IR spectra exhibited two prominent peaks at 491 cm−1 and 890 cm−1, further validating the creation of W-type hexaferrites. Notably, the UV–Vis spectroscopy demonstrated a reduction in the optical band gap from 2.41 to 2.11 eV with increasing concentrations. In terms of dielectric properties, a peak dielectric constant of 71 was observed at frequencies above 2.5 GHz. Furthermore, the AC conductivity displayed a linear trend at lower frequencies, reaching a maximum value of 0.35 [ohm cm]−1 at higher frequencies. The magnetic measurements indicated that the substitution of x = 0.04 exhibited the highest saturation magnetization, Ms value of 1.7 emu/g, but the lowest coercivity, Hc value of 75 Oe was observed.

Phase transitions associated with magnetic-field induced topological orbital momenta in a non-collinear antiferromagnet

Resistivity measurements are widely exploited to uncover electronic excitations and phase transitions in metallic solids. While single crystals are preferably studied to explore crystalline anisotropies, these usually cancel out in polycrystalline materials. Here we show that in polycrystalline Mn3Zn0.5Ge0.5N with non-collinear antiferromagnetic order, changes in the diagonal and, rather unexpected, off-diagonal components of the resistivity tensor occur at low temperatures indicating subtle transitions between magnetic phases of different symmetry. This is supported by neutron scattering and explained within a phenomenological model which suggests that the phase transitions in magnetic field are associated with field induced topological orbital momenta. The fact that we observe transitions between spin phases in a polycrystal, where effects of crystalline anisotropy are cancelled suggests that they are only controlled by exchange interactions. The observation of an off-diagonal resistivity extends the possibilities for realising antiferromagnetic spintronics with polycrystalline materials.

Designing bi-functional Ag-CoGd0.025Er0.05Fe1.925O4 nanoarchitecture via green method

In the current study, we developed a simple and biocompatible method for producing core–shell nanoparticles (NPs). Citrate auto combustion and green procedures were used to create core–shell Ag/CoGd0.025Er0.05Fe1.925O4 (Ag/CGEFO) sample with an average crystallite size of 26.84 nm. The prepared samples were characterized via different structural techniques, such as x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy (RS), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive x-ray analysis. These analyses were utilized to characterize and confirm the successful formation of the core–shell architecture. For core–shell NPs, all peaks of Ag and CGEFO ferrite are detected in the XRD, confirming the co-presence of the ferrite spinel phase and the cubic Ag phase. The magnetic hysteresis curves demonstrate typical hard ferri-magnetic behavior along with maximum magnetic saturation values up to 53.74 emu g−1 for the CGEFO sample, while an enhanced coercivity is detected for the coated sample. Moreover, the width of the hysteresis loop is increased for the Ag/CGEFO sample compared to the uncoated one. This indicates that the addition of Ag as a shell increases magneto crystalline anisotropy. Moreover, the E g of uncoated CGEFO is equal to 1.4 eV, increasing to 3.6 eV for coated ones. This implies the influence of CGEFO is diminished when the surface is coated with Ag (shell), and the reflectance of the Ag/CGEFO core–shell is nearly dependent on the reflectance of the Ag shell layer. Consequently, the Ag/CGEFO can be used as a light shielding substance.