Use Of External Magnetic Field Research Articles

Demonstration of high-throughput magnetic hysteresis measurements based on spintronic THz emission

Spintronic terahertz (THz) emitters have been shown to be a cost-efficient source for use in time-domain THz spectroscopy. The use of external magnetic fields to control the polarity of the THz emission provides an opportunity to measure the magnetization of spintronic materials as well as shaping THz emission. Here, we demonstrate an efficient method of measuring magnetic hysteresis with material sensitivity and speed several orders of magnitude greater than typical magnetometry methods. In addition, we utilize the rapid control of material magnetization for lock-in detection in time-domain THz spectroscopy of spintronic emitters. The ability to rapidly control and measure the material magnetization on very small volumes provides an opportunity to study magnetic hetero-structures with sub-micron spatial resolution.

Magnetically Triggered Interplay of Capacitive and Diffusion Contributions for Boosted Supercapacitor Performance.

The chemistry involved in supercapacitors in terms of their mechanistic contributions leading to improved specific capacity will aid in easy commercialization. The main contributory factors in a supercapacitor are either capacitive (non-diffusion controlled) or ion-diffusion behavior, which results in enhanced charge-discharge characteristics of a supercapacitor reflected in its power density, whereas ion-diffusion behavior will lead to the enhanced energy density of a supercapacitor. In this context, the present article attempts to understand the use of external magnetic fields, leading to the interplay between capacitive and ion-diffusion behavior in a high-performance supercapacitor. The model system chosen in the present study, nickel cobalt copper carbonate hydroxide (NiCoCuCH), can effectively address the interplay between capacitive and ion diffusion contributions by varying total magnetic effects involving magnetic dilution. The magneto-enhancement of the electrodes nickel cobalt copper carbonate hydroxide (NiCoCuCH) and aluminum-doped nickel cobalt copper carbonate hydroxide (Al-NiCoCuCH) was demonstrated under the magnetic field from 0 to 250 mT. Both NiCoCuCH and Al-NiCoCuCH show dominant non-diffusion-controlled (capacitive) and diffusion-controlled behavior as a function of the applied external magnetic field. Under the influence of the external magnetic field, ferromagnetic coupling between metal-oxygen-metal centers via oxygen 2p orbitals enhances, leading to a facile redox pathway. To further control the charge-discharge behavior of the electrode via the interplay between diffusive and capacitive, a non-magnetic ion, Al3+, was doped into the bare metal carbonate hydroxide crystal lattice. The Al3+ ion not only alters the crystal symmetry but also restricts the alignment of the magnetic domains in the electrode, leading to a sluggish redox pathway, effectively increasing the capacitive contribution, and leading to improved charge-discharge characteristics at the expense of energy density. We have constructed an asymmetric device with the best-performing (110 mT) NiCoCuCH electrode as a positive electrode and activated carbon as a negative electrode. The NiCoCuCH/AC ASC device at 110 mT has the largest specific capacity (1100 C g-1 at 2 A g-1) at 110 mT, leading to a high energy density (250 W h kg-1) and a power density (1.7 kW kg-1) of the electrode.

Local symmetry breaking drives picosecond spin domain formation in polycrystalline halide perovskite films.

Photoinduced spin-charge interconversion in semiconductors with spin-orbit coupling could provide a route to optically addressable spintronics without the use of external magnetic fields. However, in structurally disordered polycrystalline semiconductors, which are being widely explored for device applications, the presence and role of spin-associated charge currents remains unclear. Here, using femtosecond circular-polarization-resolved pump-probe microscopy on polycrystalline halide perovskite thin films, we observe the photoinduced ultrafast formation of spin domains on the micrometre scale formed through lateral spin currents. Micrometre-scale variations in the intensity of optical second-harmonic generation and vertical piezoresponse suggest that the spin-domain formation is driven by the presence of strong local inversion symmetry breaking via structural disorder. We propose that this leads to spatially varying Rashba-like spin textures that drive spin-momentum-locked currents, leading to local spin accumulation. Ultrafast spin-domain formation in polycrystalline halide perovskite films provides an optically addressable platform for nanoscale spin-device physics.

A Framework for Simulation of Magnetic Soft Robots Using the Material Point Method

Simulation represents a key aspect in the development of robot systems. The ability to simulate behavior of real-world robots provides an environment where robot designs can be developed and control systems optimized. Due to the use of external magnetic fields for actuation, magnetic soft robots can be wirelessly controlled and are easily miniaturized. However, the relationship between magnetic soft materials and external sources of magnetic fields present significant complexities in modelling due to the relationship between material elasticity and magnetic wrench (forces and torques). In this work, we present a simulation framework for magnetic soft robots using the Material Point Method (MPM) which integrates hyper-elastic material models with the magnetic wrench induced under external fields. Compared to existing Finite Element Methods (FEM), the presented MPM based framework inherently models self-collision between areas of the model and can capture the effect of forces in non-homogeneous magnetic fields. We demonstrate the ability of the MPM framework to model the influence of magnetic wrench on magnetic soft robots, capture dynamic behavior of robots under time-varying magnetic fields, and provide an accurate representation of deformation when colliding with obstacles. We show the versatility of MPM framework by comparing simulations to a range of real-world magnetic soft robot designs previously presented in the literature.

Analytical modelling to study the magnetic field-assisted growth of graphene in the reactive plasma

A theoretical model has been developed to study the impact of a magnetic field on the growth of vertically aligned graphene sheets using plasma deposition techniques. The present model incorporates the dynamics of negatively charged electrons and positively charged ions and active neutral radicals of reactive gases in the complex plasma comprising Ar, C2H2, and H2 gases and deposition of these gaseous phase plasma species in the form of vertically aligned graphene sheets. The dynamics and deposition of the plasma particles can be controlled or enhanced by various process parameters and use of external magnetic field is one of the most promising way to enhance the deposition of species. In the present work, the growth of vertical graphene in a plasma environment has been studied with and without external magnetic field. The analytical simulations of the developed model revealed the significant enhancement in the growth of vertically aligned graphene sheets when magnetic field is applied in the plasma reactor. Our findings of the analytical simulations are in line with existing experimental observations.

Магнитная структура наночастиц Co-=SUB=-0.8-x-=/SUB=-Mn-=SUB=-x-=/SUB=-Zn-=SUB=-0.2-=/SUB=-Fe-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-O-=SUB=-4-=/SUB=- (x=0.6, 0.4 и 0.2) перспективных для биомедицинских применений

Magnetic nanoparticles (NP) of ferrite Co0.8-xMnxZn0.2Fe2O4 (x=0.6, 0.4 and 0.2) were synthesized by co-deposition. The structural, microstructural, magnetic and ultrathin properties of the obtained particles were investigated by X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The nanoparticle sizes calculated from radiographs at x=0.6, 0.4 and 0.2 are 15.2, 10.2 and 10.3 nm, respectively. The influence of the amount of Mn ions introduced on the properties of synthesized particles has been studied. The analysis of experimental Mossbauer spectra showed that the small size of the LF leads to a significant increase in the effects of dimensionality and the influence of the surface on the magnetic structure of the surface layer. The Mossbauer studies, for the first time without the use of external magnetic fields, on the example of MNCH spinel ferrites Co0.8-xMnxZn0.2Fe2O4, found that inside the particle the magnetic moments are ordered collinearly, whereas in the surface layer the moments are oriented at an angle to each other (beveled structure).

Fluorescent Single-Core and Multi-Core Nanoprobes as Cell Trackers and Magnetic Nanoheaters

Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been widely studied due to their versatility for diagnosis, tracking (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) and therapeutic (magnetic hyperthermia and drug delivery) applications. In this work, iron oxide MNPs with different single-core (8–40 nm) and multi-core (140–200 nm) structures were synthesized and functionalized by organic and inorganic coating materials, highlighting their ability as magnetic nanotools to boost cell biotechnological procedures. Single core Fe3O4@PDA, Fe3O4@SiO2-FITC-SiO2 and Fe3O4@SiO2-RITC-SiO2 MNPs were functionalized with fluorescent components with emission at different wavelengths, 424 nm (polydopamine), 515 (fluorescein) and 583 nm (rhodamine), and their ability as transfection and imaging agents was explored with HeLa cells. Moreover, different multi-core iron oxide MNPs (Fe3O4@CS, Fe3O4@SiO2 and Fe3O4@Citrate) coated with organic (citrate and chitosan, CS) and inorganic (silica, SiO2) shells were tested as efficient nanoheaters for magnetic hyperthermia applications for mild thermal heating procedures as an alternative to simple structures based on single-core MNPs. This work highlights the multiple abilities offered by the synergy of the use of external magnetic fields applied on MNPs and their application in different biomedical approaches.

Magnetic stimulation of the angiogenic potential of mesenchymal stromal cells in vascular tissue engineering

ABSTRACT The growing prevalence of vascular diseases worldwide has emphasized the need for novel tissue-engineered options concerning the development of vascularized 3D constructs. This study reports, for the first time, the use of external magnetic fields to stimulate mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to increase the production of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). Polyvinylalcohol and gelatin-based scaffolds, containing iron oxide nanoparticles, were designed for optimal cell magnetic stimulation. While the application of static magnetic fields over 24 h did not impact on MSCs proliferation, viability and phenotypic identity, it significantly increased the production of VEGF-A and guided MSCs morphology and alignment. The ability to enhance MSCs angiogenic potential was demonstrated by the increase in the number of new vessels formed in the presence of MSCs conditioned media through in vitro and in vivo models. Ultimately, this study uncovers the potential to manipulate cellular processes through short-term magnetic stimulation.

Topological superconductivity in semiconductor–superconductor–magnetic-insulator heterostructures

Hybrid superconductor-semiconductor heterostructures are promising platforms for realizing topological superconductors and exploring Majorana bound states physics. Motivated by recent experimental progress, we theoretically study how magnetic insulators offer an alternative to the use of external magnetic fields for reaching the topological regime. We consider different setups, where: (1) the magnetic insulator induces an exchange field in the superconductor, which leads to a splitting in the semiconductor by proximity effect, and (2) the magnetic insulator acts as a spin-filter tunnel barrier between the superconductor and the semiconductor. We show that the spin splitting in the superconductor alone cannot induce a topological transition in the semiconductor. To overcome this limitation, we propose to use a spin-filter barrier that enhances the magnetic exchange and provides a mechanism for a topological phase transition. Moreover, the spin-dependent tunneling introduces a strong dependence on the band alignment, which can be crucial in quantum-confined systems. This mechanism opens up a route towards networks of topological wires with fewer constraints on device geometry compared to previous devices that require external magnetic fields.

Investigation of the Capabilities of Transverse Magnetic Field Controlled Laser-Induced Plasma Micro-Machining

Abstract Laser-induced plasma micro-machining (LIPMM) has proven a number of advantages in micro-machining due to reduced thermal defects, smaller heat-affected zones, and larger aspect ratios when compared with conventional laser ablation. The present work explores the use of external magnetic fields to further enhance process outcomes in LIPMM. Specifically, machining characteristics and outcomes including plasma intensity, attainable aspect ratios, and surface quality will be explored through a theoretical and experimental study in different classes of materials in a transverse magnetic field controlled LIPMM. First, process improvement mechanisms are illustrated in terms of plasma confinement and laser absorption in transverse magnetic fields. A magnetic field redistribution analysis is performed to reveal the differences in the achievable enhancements in machining characteristics in terms of material characteristics. Second, a set of single-factor experiments is conducted to investigate the effects of the strength and direction of the magnetic field on machining capabilities in magnetic and nonmagnetic materials (410, 304 stainless steels and silicon). The experimental results show that plasma intensity and aspect ratios can be significantly increased in the presence of transverse magnetic fields. The greatest influence on machining capability is achieved in a magnetic material. In this case, plasma intensity and aspect ratios were increased by about 176% and 160%, respectively, when compared with other materials with a magnetic field strength of 0.1 T and a magnetic field direction parallel to the processing direction. Finally, the morphology and cross-section profiles of micro-channels have been measured for verifying the impact on the surface quality of transverse magnetically controlled LIPMM.

A numerical study on heat transfer of a ferrofluid flow in a square cavity under simultaneous gravitational and magnetic convection

Thermomagnetic convection is based on the use of external magnetic fields to better control heat transfer fluxes in ferrofluids, finding important applications in engineering and many related areas. The improvement of such methods relies on fundamentally understanding the flow of ferrofluids under temperature gradients and external magnetic fields. However, the underlying physics of this phenomenon is very complex and not yet well characterized. The problem we analyze in this paper consists of a ferrofluid confined in a square cavity heated from the top and subjected to an external magnetic field applied in the horizontal direction. Differently from earlier investigations, this scenario leads to a clear competition between stabilizing gravitational forces and destabilizing magnetic forces; the unbalance between them drives the flow and dictates the mechanisms of heat transfer in the system. The problem is described by the equations of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; both gravitational and magnetic effects are accounted for through the definition of the body force following the well-known Boussinesq approximation to express the ferrofluid’s density and magnetization as functions of temperature. The resulting set of fully coupled, nonlinear equations of the model is solved with a fully implicit finite element method. The results show that thermomagnetic convection increases convective heat transfer fluxes in the flow, but its net effects essentially depend on a complex balance among viscous, magnetic, and gravitational forces which determines the pattern of recirculation regions inside the cavity. There are two critical values associated with the external field’s intensity: the first marks the onset of thermomagnetic convection when the destabilizing magnetic effects become comparable to the stabilizing gravitational ones and the second corresponds to the external field’s strength that suffices to make the effects of gravity nearly negligible in the flow dynamics. The latter regime is dictated by a balance between viscous and magnetic forces only, and the corresponding numerical predictions agree notoriously well with a scaling analysis which suggests that $${\overline{\mathrm{Nu}}} \sim \mathrm{Ra}_\mathrm{m}^{1/4}$$, where $${\overline{\mathrm{Nu}}}$$ is the average Nusselt number at the isothermal walls and $$\mathrm{Ra}_\mathrm{m}$$ is the magnetic Rayleigh number, a dimensionless parameter associated with the intensity of the external field.

Magnetic Janus Particles for Static and Dynamic (Bio)Sensing

Magnetic Janus particles bring together the ability of Janus particles to perform two different functions at the same time in a single particle with magnetic properties enabling their remote manipulation, which allows headed movement and orientation. This article reviews the preparation procedures and applications in the (bio)sensing field of static and self-propelled magnetic Janus particles. The main progress in the fabrication procedures and the applicability of these particles are critically discussed, also giving some clues on challenges to be dealt with and future prospects. The promising characteristics of magnetic Janus particles in the (bio)sensing field, providing increased kinetics and sensitivity and decreased times of analysis derived from the use of external magnetic fields in their manipulation, allows foreseeing their great and exciting potential in the medical and environmental remediation fields.

Micromixing Efficiency of Particles in Heavy Metal Removal Processes under Various Inlet Conditions

Water quality problems are a persistent global issue since population growth has continually stressed hydrological resources. Heavy metals released into the environment from plating plants, mining, and alloy manufacturing pose a significant threat to the public health. A possible solution for water purification from heavy metals is to capture them by using nanoparticles in micromixers. In this method, conventionally heavy metal capture is achieved by effectively mixing two streams, a particle solution and the contaminated water, under the action of external magnetic fields. In the present study, we investigated the effective mixing of iron oxide nanoparticles and water without the use of external magnetic fields. For this reason, the mixing of particles and the contaminated water was studied for various inlet velocity ratios and inflow angles of the two streams using computational fluid dynamics techniques. The Navier-Stokes equations were solved for the water flow, the discrete motion of particles was evaluated by a Lagrangian method, while the flow of substances of the contaminated water was studied by a scalar transport equation. Results showed that as the velocity ratio between the inlet streams increased, the mixing of particles with the contaminated water was increased. Therefore, nanoparticles were more uniformly distributed in the duct and efficiently absorbed the substances of the contaminated water. On the other hand, the angle between two streams was found to play an insignificant role in the mixing process. Consequently, the results from this study could be used in the design of more compact and cost efficient micromixer devices.

Theory of the spin Hall effect in metal oxide structures

The spin Hall effect is considered a phenomenon in which a charge current is converted to a spin current due to the spin-orbit coupling (SOC). Recently, large values of the spin Hall angle (SHA), as the conversion efficiency between spin and charge currents, were observed in metal oxide structures in ferromagnetic/metal (FM/M) oxide bilayers, although their underlying mechanisms are ambiguous. The present study aims to analytically indicate that a mixed region of metal and oxide formed at the metal/oxide interface includes the surface oxide charge, which allows for introducing an SOC term in the electron Hamiltonian. Based on the results, the SHA increases by two orders of magnitude in a Cu/oxide thin film through the side jump and skew scattering mechanisms, reaching that of heavy metals. In addition, a comprehensive model is provided for the influence of oxidation on the SHA and spin-orbit torques (SOTs) in FM/M structures. We find that the magnitude of SOTs is greatly dependent on (i) the surface oxidation condition, (ii) the current flow path, and (iii) the electronic interface condition. The model represented in the present study is regarded as a promising model and prediction mechanism which explains recent observations. The findings can be implemented in generating spin current without any use of external magnetic fields and heavy metals in spintronic devices.

Investigation the influence of injection angle on electron acceleration in laser wake-field accelerator with the presence of external magnetic field

In this paper, the influence of initial momentum and the injection angle of electron in to the magnetized plasma in a laser wake-field accelerator have been studied.It has been seen that the use of external magnetic field in the opposite direction of laser pulse propagation leads to an increase in the wake-field amplitude and a decrease in laser pulse group velocity in comparison to the use of external magnetic field in same direction of laser pulse propagation or unmagnetized plasma case. The results show, the effect of initial momentum variation on the final energy gained by electron is lower in comparison with the effect of injection angle variation. It is observed when the injection angle is increased, the electron can stay more in acceleration phase and reach to more final energy. The maximum final energy of accelerated electron is about 2.5 GeV when the magnetic field is applied along the reverse direction. Also, the electron energy is increased with the increase of injection angle and lowest energy is related to the case of magnetic field applied along the reverse direction.

Visible Light Degradation of Naproxen by Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of NiO and NiS, Scavenger Study and Focus on Catalyst Support and Magnetization.

This research was aimed to prepare a magnetically photocatalyst enabling to degrade pharmaceutical wastewater and detoxification of pollutant such as naproxen, by visible light irradiation. The nano-sized NiS and NiO photocatalysts exhibit higher reactivity than their microsized counterparts, but separation of the used photocatalyst from the degradation solution is hard and imperfect. To remove this difficulty, magnetic polypyrrole core-shell (Fe3 O4 @PPY) was synthesized and employed as catalyst support. The magnetization property of the synthesized photocatalysts measured by VSM technique indicated that the photocatalysts were sufficiently magnetized to be readily separated from degradation solution by use of external magnetic field. The DRS study showed that the band gap of the photocatalysts shifted to lower energy after immobilization on the support materials leading to higher degradation efficiency. The optimal efficiency was obtained with the catalysts loaded with 50% of NiO and 50% of NiS. The augmenting effect of H2 O2 and the inhibition influence of some organic and inorganic compounds on the degradation process were studied. Regeneration of the used photocatalyst was performed by heat treatment, and the catalyst treated at 400°C retained most of its initial capacity. The degradation capacity was kinetically fast, and the equilibrium was attained within 30min.

Neutral red separation property of ultrasmall-gluconic acid capped superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoclusters coprecipitated with goethite and hematite

Abstract The use of magnetic nanomaterials for the removal of toxic pollutants from water is currently gaining a considerable attention due to their low cost advantage and separation via the use of external magnetic field. However, for efficient functioning, these materials have to be structured in a way that will allow sufficient interaction with the pollutants within a shortest possible time. This can be achieved by employing very small sized nanomaterials such as nanoclusters which bear a very high surface energy and thus exhibit very rapid reactivity. In this report, ultrasmall-gluconic acid capped superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoclusters coprecipitated with goethite and hematite (USPIONCs-Goethem) were synthesized via a new cost-effective green approach and employed for the precipitation of neutral red from aqueous saline solution. The presence of goethite and hematite was verified using powder X-ray diffractiometry. The resulted magnetic- neutral red nanocomposite reassembled as sun-flowery-like nanostructure in the presence of an external magnetic field. A removal efficiency of about 92% was realized within a short time. This approach can be employed for the removal of other similar polyaromatic dyes bearing one or more lone-pair electron sites.

Magnetic field control of microstructural development in melt-spun [formula omitted]

In the processing of commercial rare earth permanent magnets, use of external magnetic fields is limited mainly to the alignment of anisotropic particles and the polarization of the finished magnets. Here we explore the effects of high magnetic fields on earlier stages of magnet synthesis, including the crystallization and chemical phase transformations that produce the 2:14:1 phase in the Pr-Co-B system. Pr2Co14B alloys produced by melt-spinning were annealed in the presence of strong applied magnetic fields (H=90kOe). The resulting materials were characterized by x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and magnetization measurements. We find that magnetic fields suppress the nucleation and growth of crystalline phases, resulting in significantly smaller particle sizes. In addition, magnetic fields applied during processing strongly affects chemical phase selection, suppressing the formation of Pr2Co14B and α-Co in favor of Pr2Co17. The results demonstrate that increased control over key microstructural properties is achievable by including a strong magnetic field as a processing parameter for rare-earth magnet materials.

Poly (dopamine) coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocluster for noninvasive labeling, tracking, and targeted delivery of adipose tissue-derived stem cells.

Tracking and monitoring of cells in vivo after transplantation can provide crucial information for stem cell therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with contrast agents is believed to be an effective and non-invasive technique for cell tracking in living bodies. However, commercial superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) applied to label cells suffer from shortages such as potential toxicity, low labeling efficiency, and low contrast enhancing. Herein, the adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were efficiently labeled with SPIONs coated with poly (dopamine) (SPIONs cluster@PDA), without affecting their viability, proliferation, apoptosis, surface marker expression, as well as their self-renew ability and multi-differentiation potential. The labeled cells transplanted into the mice through tail intravenous injection exhibited a negative enhancement of the MRI signal in the damaged liver-induced by carbon tetrachloride, and subsequently these homed ADSCs with SPIONs cluster@PDA labeling exhibited excellent repair effects to the damaged liver. Moreover, the enhanced target-homing to tissue of interest and repair effects of SPIONs cluster@PDA-labeled ADSCs could be achieved by use of external magnetic field in the excisional skin wound mice model. Therefore, we provide a facile, safe, noninvasive and sensitive method for external magnetic field targeted delivery and MRI based tracking of transplanted cells in vivo.

Raman Analysis of Vanadyl Phthalocynine Layers for Plastic Electronic Applications

Engineering, stability and orientation of semiconducting molecules are necessary to achieve the high efficiency of multifunctional organic-based devices. Several conjugated molecules facilitate the use of external magnetic fields to tailor both their molecular orientation and electronic properties while being processed for bio or opto-electronic applications. In this work, molecular thin films of vanadyl phthalocynine (VOPc) layers forming conducting channels in organic field-effect transistors were investigated. Three systems based on 100 nm thick VOPc thin film were grown, one in absence of magnetic field, while the other two with parallel and perpendicular to the substrate plane, respectively. Devices were ex-situ investigated by electrical characterization and confocal scanning Raman spectroscopy (SRS). All molecular layers growth on Au electrodes presented enhancement of the Raman signal.