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FeAl films around equiatomic composition are grown on a-cut (1120) sapphire substrates by ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD) and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) at ambient temperature. Subsequent successive annealing is used to establish chemical order and crystallographic orientation of the films with respect to the substrate. We find a strongly [110]-textured growth for both deposition techniques. Pole figures prove the successful preparation of high quality epitaxial films by PLD with a single in-plane orientation. IBAD-grown films, however, exhibit three in-plane orientations, all of them with broad angular distributions. The difference of the two growth modes is attributed to the existence of a metastable intermediate crystalline orientation as concluded from nonassisted sputter depositions at different substrate temperatures. The formation of the chemically ordered crystalline B2 phase is accompanied by the expected transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic behavior of the films. In accordance with the different thermally induced structural recovery, we find a step-like magnetic transition to paramagnetic behavior after annealing for 1 h at TA = 300 °C for IBAD deposition, while PLD-grown films show a gradual decrease of ferromagnetic signals with rising annealing temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the reversal mechanisms in a self-assembled, hexagonally ordered Fe antidot array with a period of 200 nm and an antidot diameter of 100 nm which was prepared by polystyrene nanosphere lithography. Direction-dependent information in such a self-assembled sample is obtained by measuring the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) through constrictions processed by focused ion beam milling in nearest neighbor and next nearest neighbor directions. We show that such an originally integral method can be used to investigate the strong in-plane anisotropy introduced by the antidot lattice. The easy and hard axis reversal mechanisms and corresponding AMR signals are modeled by micromagnetic simulations. Additional in-field magnetic force microscopy studies allow the correlation of microscopic switching to features in the integral AMR. We find that the easy axis of magnetization is connected to a distinct periodic magnetic domain pattern, which can be observed during the whole magnetization reversal. While this process is driven by nucleation and propagation of reversed domains, the hard axis reversal is characterized by a (stepwise) rotation of the magnetization via the antidot lattice’ easy axes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic properties of Ni nanoparticles (Ni-NPs) embedded in an antiferromagnetic IrMn matrix were investigated. The Ni-NPs of 8.4 nm mean diameter were synthesized by inert gas aggregation. In a second processing step, the Ni-NPs were in situ embedded in IrMn films or SiOx films under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions. Findings showed that Ni-NPs embedded in IrMn have an exchange bias field HEB = 821 Oe at 10 K, and 50 Oe at 300 K. The extracted value of the exchange energy density is 0.06 mJ m−2 at 10 K, which is in good accordance with the results from multilayered thin film systems. The Ni-NPs embedded in SiOx did not show exchange bias. As expected for this particle size, they are superparamagnetic at T = 300 K. A direct comparison of the Ni-NPs embedded in IrMn or SiOx reveals an increase of the blocking temperature from 210 K to around 400 K. The coercivity of the Ni-NPs exchange coupled to the IrMn matrix at 10 K is 8 times larger than the value for Ni-NPs embedded in SiOx. We studied time-dependent remanent magnetization at different temperatures. The relaxation behavior is described by a magnetic viscosity model which reflects a rather flat distribution of energy barriers. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of different field cooling processes on the magnetic properties of the embedded Ni-NPs. Exchange bias values fit to model calculations which correlate the contribution of the antiferromagnetic IrMn matrix to its grain size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use non-close packed colloidal lithography to prepare hexagonal magnetic antidot arrays with varying diameters at a period of 205 nm. Smaller antidots are attractive for applications as spin waveguides in magnonics. Larger antidots form a magnetically frustrated system, i.e. Kagome spin-ice, as we prove by magnetic force microscopy. The simple but effective approach successfully extends the limits of top-down lithography previously used to study spin-ice configurations and emergent magnetic monopoles towards smaller structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid-phase epitaxy is demonstrated for the metallic binary alloy AlFe. Stoichiometric thin films are deposited at ambient temperature onto c-cut sapphire by pulsed laser deposition (PLD), resulting in smooth amorphous films as revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). By annealing at 600°C, still smooth epitaxial AlFe films are obtained exhibiting the B2 phase with the (110) direction parallel to the substrate normal and an in-plane orientation as given by $\mbox{AlFe}[001]\|\mbox{Al}_{2}\mbox{O}_{3}[11\bar{2}0]$. While ferromagnetism is observed for the amorphous phase, the formation of the B2 structure is accompanied by paramagnetic behavior, confirming the high structural quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive single-step hot-pressing at 1473 K and 35 MPa for 4 h produces dense, bulk, near single-phase, low-cost, and low-criticality Fe2Al1.15B2 and Fe2Al1.1B2Ge0.05Ga0.05 MAB samples, showing second-order magnetic phase transition with favorable magnetocaloric properties around room temperature. The magnetic as well as the magnetocaloric properties can be tailored upon Ge and Ga doping, leading to an increase in the Curie temperature T C and the spontaneous magnetization m S. The maximum isothermal entropy change Δ s T , m a x of hot-pressed Fe2Al1.15B2 in magnetic field changes of 2 and 5 T amounts to 2.5 and 5 J(kgK)−1 at 287.5 K and increases by Ge and Ga addition to 3.1 and 6.2 J(kgK)−1 at 306.5 K, respectively. The directly measured maximum adiabatic temperature change Δ T a d , m a x is improved by composition modification from 0.9 to 1.1 K in magnetic field changes of 1.93 T. Overall, we demonstrate that hot-pressing provides a much faster, more scalable, and processing costs reducing alternative compared to conventional synthesis routes to produce heat exchangers for magnetic cooling devices. Therefore, our criticality assessment shows that hot-pressed Fe-based MAB phases provide a promising compromise of material and processing costs, criticality, and magnetocaloric performance, demonstrating the potential for low-cost and low-criticality magnetocaloric applications around room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an easy, fast and reliable method for the preparation of magnetic force microscopy (MFM) probes based on single Co nanoparticles (NPs). Due to their dipolar character, these magnetic probes open up a new approach for quantitative and non-invasive MFM measurements on the nanometer length scale. To guarantee long-term stability of these tips under ambient conditions, an ultrathin protecting Au shell was grown around the Co NPs through photochemical deposition. Single magnetic particles were firmly attached to standard silicon AFM tips using bifunctional self-assembling molecules. Such probes were tested on longitudinal magnetic recording media and compared to the results as recorded with conventional thin-film MFM tips. Easy data interpretation of the magnetic nanoparticle probes in a point dipole model is shown. Our nanoparticle tips provide excellent endurance for MFM recording, enable non-invasive probing while maintaining a high sensitivity, resolution, and reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variety of the multifunctional properties of martensitic Ni-Mn based Heusler alloys are related to the presence of a magnetostructural transition. We report here on a new functionality based on a newly observed property. The observed property is that all off-stoichiometric Ni-Mn-based Heuslers, here in the form Ni 50 Mn 50− x In x with 0 < x < 25 , decompose into predominantly cubic ferromagnetic Ni 50 Mn 25 In 25 and tetragonal antiferromagnetic NiMn components when temper-annealed. The new functionality is based on magnetic field assisted temper-annealing of a compound with stoichiometry x = 5 , whereby precipitates of Ni 50 Mn 25 In 25 with a ferromagnetic shell are formed with spins in the field direction, strongly pinned by the surrounding antiferromagnetic anisotropy, even at temperatures as high as 500 K. The remanent pinning at high temperatures survives any thermal cycling between lowest temperatures and the annealing temperature and any magnetic field cycling between −9 and +9 T. The resulting product can serve as a thermally stable, magnetic-field-proof memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A co-precipitation method is proposed for the synthesis of highly crystalline BiFeO 3 (BFO) nanoparticles with varying Bi/Fe molar ratio (0.9, 1.0, 1.1) after calcination at 550 °C and 600 °C in air. The effect of the varying Bi-content on the phase constitution, structural and multiferroic properties of the nanoparticles is investigated. Differential thermal analysis discloses that the crystallization of the initially, amorphous, powder occurs at 484 °C, whereas the Curie temperature is 820 °C. X-ray diffraction patterns and Fourier transform infrared spectra evince the formation of the rhombohedral structure with R3c space group symmetry in all samples, whereas Rietveld refinement confirms the phase purity of the 600 °C calcined BFO at Bi/Fe = 1.0. Transmission electron microscopy indicates that the average particle size is tuned with respect to calcination temperature and Bi content, giving rise to the enhanced magnetic properties of the 550 °C calcined BFO 0.9 at room temperature due to size effects and an increment of structural distortions. By rising the Bi-content, the surplus Bi stabilizes the highly polar R3c rhombohedral structure at both calcination temperatures, resulting in the enhanced values of the real (ε ′) dielectric constant in BFO 1.0 and BFO 1.1 at room temperature. UV–visible absorbance spectra of both 550 °C and 600 °C calcined BFO 1.0 exhibit strong visible light absorption, while the corresponding Tauc's plots manifest that the optical band gap energy of BFO nanoparticles is about 2 eV following particle size trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report on synthesis and characterization of single crystals of the hexagonal Ga-containing κ-carbide phase Mo 3(2 + y) Ga 3(1-x) Fe 1+3(1- y + x) C 4 with x = 0.15, y = 0.35 and mixed occupation of two 6 h sites. We refined its crystal structure as hexagonal with P6 3 /mmc symmetry. We combined polarized Raman spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near edge structure, X-ray magnetic circular dichroism and electrical resistivity measurements with density functional theory in order to give a first consistent description of the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of this new compound. The phase exhibits metallic conductivity, has a high thermal stability in inert atmosphere and surprisingly has a non-magnetic ground state. Our study provides further impetus for the rediscovery of the κ-phase family, which, due to its chemical diversity, should have many physical properties to be easily tailored. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental approach is presented, allowing the preparationof substrate supported, hexagonally arranged metallic alloy nanoparticleswith narrow size distributions, well-defined interparticle distances,and controlled chemical composition. The method is based on miniemulsionpolymerization and isotropic plasma etching. Polystyrene (PS) andpoly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) colloidsin the present studycontaining Fe- and Pt-precursor complexes in a predefined ratioaredeposited onto hydrophilic Si/SiO2substrates by dip-coating,forming a highly ordered monolayer. Contrary to colloidal lithography,here, precursor-filled polystyrene colloids serve as carriers forthe alloy forming elements. After reactive ion etching and annealing,hexagonally ordered arrays of crystalline FePt nanoparticles are formedexhibiting the desired 1:1 Fe–Pt ratio, as revealed by detailedanalysis after each preparation step. Formation of stoichiometricbinary alloy FePt nanoparticles is confirmed by determining magnetichysteresis loops, as well as applying aberration-corrected high-resolutiontransmission electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hard-magnetic nanomaterials like nanoparticles of FePt are of great interest because of their promising potential for data storage applications. The magnetic properties of FePt structures strongly differ whether the crystal phases are face centered cubic (fcc) or face centered tetragonal (fct). We evaluated aberration corrected HRTEM, electron diffraction and aberration corrected HAADF-STEM as methods to measure the chemical degree of order S that describes the ordering of Pt and Fe atoms within the crystals unit cells. S/TEM experiments are accompanied by image calculations. The findings are compared with results obtained from X-ray diffraction on a FePt film. Our results show that STEM is a reasonable fast approach over HRTEM and electron diffraction to locally determine the chemical degree of order S. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Clarifying the nature of interactions between metal electrodes and organic molecules still represent one of the challenging problems in molecular electronics that needs to be solved in order to optimize electron transport through a molecular device. For this purpose, electronic properties at metal–molecule interfaces were studied by combining experimental and theoretical methods. Applying a novel electrochemical approach, strictly two-dimensional Pd islands were prepared on top of 4-mercaptopyridine self-assembled monolayers (4MP-SAMs) which, in turn, were deposited on (111)-oriented Au single crystals. Electron spectroscopy together with density functional theory calculations revealed strong interactions between the molecules and the islands due to Pd–N bonds, resulting in a drastically reduced density of states (DOS) at the Fermi level EF for a nearly closed Pd monolayer, and even non-metallic properties for nanometre-sized islands. Similarly, a significantly reduced DOS at EF was observed for the topmost Au layer at the Au–SAM interface due to Au–S interactions, suggesting that these effects are rather general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its first emergence in 2004, the high‐entropy alloy (HEA) concept has aimed at stabilizing single‐ or dual‐phase multi‐element solid solutions through high mixing entropy. Here, this strategy is changed and renders such massive solid solutions metastable, to trigger spinodal decomposition for improving the alloys' magnetic properties. The motivation for starting from a HEA for this approach is to provide the chemical degrees of freedom required to tailor spinodal behavior using multiple components. The key idea is to form Fe‐Co enriched regions which have an expanded volume (relative to unconstrained Fe‐Co), due to coherency constraints imposed by the surrounding HEA matrix. As demonstrated by theory and experiments, this leads to improved magnetic properties of the decomposed alloy relative to the original solid solution matrix. In a prototype magnetic FeCoNiMnCu HEA, it is shown that the modulated structures, achieved by spinodal decomposition, lead to an increase of the Curie temperature by 48% and a simultaneous increase of magnetization by 70% at ambient temperature as compared to the homogenized single‐phase reference alloy. The findings thus open a pathway for the development of advanced functional HEAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antidot lattices are potential candidates to act as bit patterned media for data storage as they are able to trap nanoscale magnetic domains between two adjacent holes. Here, we demonstrate the combination of micromagnetic modeling and x-ray microscopy. Detailed simulation of these systems can only be achieved by micromagnetic modeling that takes thermal effects into account. For this purpose, a Landau–Lifshitz–Bloch approach is used here. The calculated melting of magnetic domains within the antidot lattice is reproduced experimentally by x-ray microscopy. Furthermore, we compare conventional scanning transmission x-ray microscopy with resolution enhanced ptychography. Hence, we achieve a resolution of 13 nm. The results demonstrate that ptychographic imaging can also recover magnetic contrast in the presence of a strong topological variation and is generally applicable toward magnetic samples requiring ultimate resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct and parameter-free measurement of anisotropic electrical resistivity of a magnetic Mn+1AXn (MAX) phase film is presented. A multitip scanning tunneling microscope is used to carry out 4-probe transport measurements with variable probe spacing s. The observation of the crossover from the 3D regime for small s to the 2D regime for large s enables the determination of both in-plane and perpendicular-to-plane resistivities ρab and ρc. A (Cr0.5Mn0.5)2GaC MAX phase film shows a large anisotropy ratio ρ c / ρ ab = 525 ± 49. This is a consequence of the complex bonding scheme of MAX phases with covalent M–X and metallic M–M bonds in the MX planes and predominately covalent, but weaker bonds between the MX and A planes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly crystalline BiFeO 3 (BFO), Bi 0.97 Sm 0.03 FeO 3 and BiFe 0.97 Co 0.03 O 3 nanoparticles are synthesized via the chemical co-precipitation method after calcination at 600 °C in air for 2 h. The effect of cation substitution, Sm for Bi and Co for Fe, on the structural and magnetic properties of BFO nanoparticles is investigated, whereas their magnetically induced heating efficiency in radio frequency alternating magnetic fields is examined. X-ray diffraction indicates the formation of the R3c phase in all compounds, while the corresponding Rietveld refinement reveals a variation of the lattice parameters upon doping, suggesting structural distortion within the BFO lattice due to the ionic radii mismatch between doped and host elements. Transmission electron microscopy unveils smaller particle sizes for the doped nanoparticles, owing to the frustrated particle growth induced by the dopants, whose presence is verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The combined effect of cation substitution and size confinement results in the suppression of the spiral spin structure of BFO, leading to the significantly enhanced magnetic features of the doped nanoparticles at room temperature. For possible applications in the biomedical sector, we tested them as heating agents in magnetic hyperthermia. The dispersion of BiFe 0.97 Co 0.03 O 3 nanoparticles in water at a concentration of 4 mg/mL could reach the therapeutic window of 41–45 °C for cancer treatment in 50 mT at 375 kHz, whereas the remarkable temperature increase of the BFO-based multiferroic hydrogels, under the same conditions, is auspicious for an effective local treatment at reduced toxicity. [Display omitted] • Co- and Sm-doping of BiFeO 3 (BFO) nanoparticles lead to significant magnetization at 300 K. • Co-BFO dispersion enters the therapeutic window of 41–45 °C by inductive heating for biomedical applications. • BFO-based multiferroic hydrogels are promising magnetic hyperthermia agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanomaterials are of enormous value for biomedical applications because of their customizable features. However, the material properties of nanomaterials can be altered substantially by interactions with tissue thus making it important to assess them in the specific biological context to understand and tailor their effects. Here, a genetically controlled system is optimized for cellular uptake of superparamagnetic ferritin and subsequent trafficking to lysosomes. High local concentrations of photoabsorbing magnetoferritin give robust contrast in optoacoustic imaging and allow for selective photoablation of cells overexpressing ferritin receptors. Genetically controlled uptake of the biomagnetic nanoparticles also strongly enhances third‐harmonic generation due to the change of refractive index caused by the magnetite–protein interface of ferritins entrapped in lysosomes. Selective uptake of magnetoferritin furthermore enables sensitive detection of receptor‐expressing cells by magnetic resonance imaging, as well as efficient magnetic cell sorting and manipulation. Surprisingly, a substantial increase in the blocking temperature of lysosomally entrapped magnetoferritin is observed, which allows for specific ablation of genetically defined cell populations by local magnetic hyperthermia. The subcellular confinement of superparamagnetic ferritins thus enhances their physical properties to empower genetically controlled interrogation of cellular processes with deep tissue penetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Facile, one-pot method to synthesize ferrite nanoparticles at near-ambient conditions. • Regardless of precursor used, the final morphology, structure, and size of the ferrite nanoparticles remains identical. • Ferrite nanoparticles produced show sound magnetic properties and can be a proof-of-concept to further explore our synthesis procedure. Herein we describe a new, quite simple, highly scalable, one-pot protocol for the synthesis of ferrite nanoparticles, NPs. We immerse water insoluble iron boride, FeB, powders – in plastic bottles at temperatures between 50 °C and 80 °C and ambient pressures – for tens of hours in high pH aqueous solutions of potassium-, sodium-, tetramethylammonium-, or tetrabutylammonium-hydroxides. The resulting powder is comprised of iron oxide, Fe 3 O 4 , NPs with, in one case, a saturation magnetization of 75 Am2kg−1, that exhibit ferrimagnetic behavior, with a critical temperature of 820 K. The same protocol was used to convert water soluble iron sulphate, FeSO 4 , to the same NPs. The average size of the NPs depends on reaction time; after 24 h, they are in the 15 nm range; after 48 h, they are closer to 25 nm. While our approach may appear to be similar to the co-precipitation method for making such NPs, we make a strong case that our approach is significantly simpler, nonetheless reaching high magnetization of NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser ablation in liquids (LAL) has emerged as a versatile approach for the synthesis of alloy particles and oxide nanomaterials. However, complex chemical reactions often take place during synthesis due to inevitable atomization and ionization of the target materials and decomposition/hydrolysis of solvent/solution molecules, making it difficult to understand the particle formation mechanisms. In this paper, a possible route for the formation of FeMn alloy nanoparticles as well as MnO x nanoparticles, -sheets, and -fibers by LAL is presented. The observed structural, compositional, and morphological variations are clarified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The studies suggest that a reaction between Mn atoms and Fe ions followed by surface oxidation result in nonstoichiometric synthesis of Fe-rich FeMn@FeMn2O4 core-shell alloy particles. Interestingly, a phase transformation from Mn3O4 to Mn2O3 and finally to Ramsdellite γ-MnO2 is accompanied by a morphology change from nanosheets to nanofibers in gradually increasing oxidizing environments. High-resolution TEM images reveal that the particle-attachment mechanism dominates the growth of different manganese oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetization reversal in nanoscaled antidot lattices is widely investigated to understand the tunability of the magnetic anisotropy and the coercive field through nanostructuring of thin films. By investigating highly ordered focused ion beam milled antidot lattices with a combination of first-order reversal curves and magnetic x-ray microscopy, we fully elucidate the magnetization reversal along the distinct orientations of a hexagonal antidot lattice. This combination proves especially powerful as all partial steps of this complex magnetization reversal can be identified and subsequently imaged. Through this approach we discovered several additional steps that were neglected in previous studies. Furthermore, by imaging the microscopic magnetization state during each reversal step, we were able to link the coercive and interaction fields determined by the first-order reversal curve method to true microscopic magnetization configurations and determine their origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lock-in technique for measurement of thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity of thin films is presented. The technique is based on the 3ω approach using electrical generation and detection of oscillatory heat along a thin metal strip. Thin films are deposited onto the backside of commercial silicon nitride membranes, forming a bilayer geometry with distinct thermal parameters. Stepwise comparison to an adapted heat diffusion model delivers these parameters for both layers. Highest sensitivity is found for metallic thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a simple and effective model of a commercial magnetic thin-film sensor for magnetic force microscopy (MFM), and we test the model employing buried magnetic dipoles. The model can be solved analytically in the half-space in front of the sensor tip, leading to a simple 1/R dependence of the magnetic stray field projected to the symmetry axis. The model resolves the earlier issue as to why the magnetic sensors cannot be described reasonably by a restricted multipole expansion as in the point pole approximation: the point pole model must be extended to incorporate a 'lower-order' pole, which we term 'pseudo-pole'. The near-field dependence (α R-1) turns into the well-known and frequently used dipole behavior (α R-3) if the separation, R, exceeds the height of the sensor. Using magnetic nanoparticles (average diameter 18 nm) embedded in a SiO cover as dipolar point probes, we show that the force gradient-distance curves and magnetic images fit almost perfectly to the proposed model. The easy axis of magnetization of single nanoparticles is successfully deduced from these magnetic images. Our model paves the way for quantitative MFM, at least if the sensor and the sample are independent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper we present experiments and simulations on the dissolution of Si into single crystalline Ge(111) substrates. The interface shift during the dissolution was tracked by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. It was obtained that the interface remained sharp and shifted according to anomalous kinetics similarly to our previous measurement in the Si/amorphous-Ge system. The interface shift, x, can be described by a power function of time x ∝ t k c with a kinetic exponent, k c, of 0.85±0.1, larger than the one measured for the amorphous system (0.7±0.1). Both exponents, however, are different from the k c =0.5 Fickian (parabolic) value and it is interpreted as a nanoscale diffusional anomaly caused by the strong composition dependence of the diffusion coefficients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are widely considered for cancer treatment, in particular for magnetic hyperthermia (MHT). Thereby, MNPs are still being optimized for lowest possible toxicity on organisms while the magnetic properties are matched for best heating capabilities. In this study, the biocompatibility of 12 nm cobalt ferrite MNPs, functionalized with citrate ions, in different dosages on mice and rats of both sexes was investigated for 30 days after intraperitoneal injection. The animals' weight, behavior, and blood cells changes, as well as blood biochemical parameters are correlated to histological examination of organs revealing that cobalt ferrite MNPs do not have toxic effects at concentrations close to those used previously for efficient MHT. Moreover, these MNPs demonstrated high specific loss power (SLP) of about 400 W g−1. Importantly the MNPs retained their magnetic properties inside tumor tissue after intratumoral administration for several MHT cycles within three days. Thus, cobalt ferrite MNPs represent a perspective platform for tumor therapy by MHT due to their ability to provide effective heating without exerting a toxic effect on the organism. This opens up new avenues for smaller MNPs sizes while their heating efficiency is maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are widely known as valuable agents for biomedical applications. Recently, MNPs were further suggested to be used for a remote and non-invasive manipulation, where their spatial redistribution or force response in a magnetic field provides a fine-tunable stimulus to a cell. Here, we investigated the properties of two different MNPs and assessed their suitability for spatio-mechanical manipulations: semisynthetic magnetoferritin nanoparticles and fully synthetic 'nanoflower'-shaped iron oxide nanoparticles. As well as confirming their monodispersity in terms of structure, surface potential, and magnetic response, we monitored the MNP performance in a living cell environment using fluorescence microscopy and asserted their biocompatibility. We then demonstrated facilitated spatial redistribution of magnetoferritin compared to 'nanoflower'-NPs after microinjection, and a higher magnetic force response of these NPs compared to magnetoferritin inside a cell. Our remote manipulation assays present these tailored magnetic materials as suitable agents for applications in magnetogenetics, biomedicine, or nanomaterial research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spectra of the dielectric permittivity tensor components of Mn 2 GaC epitaxial film. • Ions of Ga affect the interband electronic transitions in Mn and C. • Interband transitions in Mn and Ga ions contribute to magnetization at RT. We report measurements of the dielectric permittivity, optical conductivity and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) of the epitaxial Mn 2 GaC MAX-phase thin film in an external magnetic field of up to 200 mT, at temperatures of 296 and 140 K and 1.4 to 3.5 eV. The optical conductivity and MCD spectra show absorption peaks which are consistent with the interband electronic transitions for different positions of Mn, Ga, and C ions as confirmed by theoretical calculations of the spin-dependent density of electronic states. The well-known structural phase transition at 214 K is also seen in the changes of optical, magneto-optical and surface magnetic properties of Mn 2 GaC in our experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, we experimentally demonstrate that single platinum nanoparticles exhibit the necessary catalytic activity for the optically induced reduction of H[AuCl4] complexes to elemental gold. This finding is exploited for the parallel Au encapsulation of FePt nanoparticles arranged in a self-assembled two-dimensional array. Magnetic force microscopy reveals that the thin gold layer formed on the FePt particles leads to a strongly increased long-term stability of their magnetization under ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last years, several experimental and theoretical studies of diffusion kinetics on the nanoscale have shown that the time evolution (x∝tkc) differs from the classical Fickian law (kc=0.5). However, all work was based on crystalline samples or models, so far. In this letter, we report on the diffusion kinetics of a thin amorphous Si layer into amorphous Ge to account for the rising importance of amorphous materials in nanodevices. Employing surface sensitive techniques, the initial kc was found at 0.7±0.1. Moreover, after some monolayers of Si dissolved into the Ge, kc changes to the generally expected classical Fickian law with kc=0.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modification of the size and phase composition of magnetic oxide nanomaterials dispersed in liquids by laser synthesis and processing of colloids has high implications for applications in biomedicine, catalysis and for nanoparticle-polymer composites. Controlling these properties for ternary oxides, however, is challenging with typical additives like salts and ligands and can lead to unwanted byproducts and various phases. In our study, we demonstrate how additive-free pulsed laser post-processing (LPP) of colloidal yttrium iron oxide nanoparticles using high repetition rates and power at 355 nm laser wavelength can be used for phase transformation and phase purification of the garnet structure by variation of the laser fluence as well as the applied energy dose. Furthermore, LPP allows particle size modification between 5 nm (ps laser) and 20 nm (ns laser) and significant increase of the monodispersity. Resulting colloidal nanoparticles are investigated regarding their size, structure and temperature-dependent magnetic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality, 25 nm octahedral-shaped Fe3O4 magnetite nanocrystals are epitaxially grown on 9 nm Au seed nanoparticles using a modified wet-chemical synthesis. These Fe3O4-Au Janus nanoparticles exhibit bulk-like magnetic properties. Due to their high magnetization and octahedral shape, the hybrids show superior in vitro and in vivo T2 relaxivity for magnetic resonance imaging as compared to other types of Fe3O4-Au hybrids and commercial contrast agents. The nanoparticles provide two functional surfaces for theranostic applications. For the first time, Fe3O4-Au hybrids are conjugated with two fluorescent dyes or the combination of drug and dye allowing the simultaneous tracking of the nanoparticle vehicle and the drug cargo in vitro and in vivo. The delivery to tumors and payload release are demonstrated in real time by intravital microscopy. Replacing the dyes by cell-specific molecules and drugs makes the Fe3O4-Au hybrids a unique all-in-one platform for theranostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials are of enormous value for biomedical applications because of their customizable features. However, the material properties of nanomaterials can be altered substantially by interactions with tissue thus making it important to assess them in the specific biological context to understand and tailor their effects. Here, a genetically controlled system is optimized for cellular uptake of superparamagnetic ferritin and subsequent trafficking to lysosomes. High local concentrations of photoabsorbing magnetoferritin give robust contrast in optoacoustic imaging and allow for selective photoablation of cells overexpressing ferritin receptors. Genetically controlled uptake of the biomagnetic nanoparticles also strongly enhances third‐harmonic generation due to the change of refractive index caused by the magnetite–protein interface of ferritins entrapped in lysosomes. Selective uptake of magnetoferritin furthermore enables sensitive detection of receptor‐expressing cells by magnetic resonance imaging, as well as efficient magnetic cell sorting and manipulation. Surprisingly, a substantial increase in the blocking temperature of lysosomally entrapped magnetoferritin is observed, which allows for specific ablation of genetically defined cell populations by local magnetic hyperthermia. The subcellular confinement of superparamagnetic ferritins thus enhances their physical properties to empower genetically controlled interrogation of cellular processes with deep tissue penetration. Genetically controlled cellular uptake and lysosomal confinement of superparamagnetic ferritins (magnetoferritins) enable interrogation of cellular processes with deep tissue penetration via optoacoustic imaging, third harmonic generation microscopy, photoablation, as well as magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic cell sorting and manipulation. A substantial increase of the blocking temperature of lysosomal magnetoferritins furthermore allows for ablation of genetically defined cells by local magnetic hyperthermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the magnetic properties of nanoscaled antidot lattices in in-plane magnetized materials have widely been investigated, much less is known about the microscopic effect of hexagonal antidot lattice patterning on materials with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. By using a combination of first-order reversal curve measurements, magnetic x-ray microscopy, and micromagnetic simulations we elucidate the microscopic origins of the switching field distributions that arise from the introduction of antidot lattices into out-of-plane magnetized GdFe thin films. Depending on the geometric parameters of the antidot lattice we find two regimes with different magnetization reversal processes. For small antidots, the reversal process is dominated by the exchange interaction and domain wall pinning at the antidots drives up the coercivity of the system. On the other hand, for large antidots the dipolar interaction is dominating which leads to fragmentation of the system into very small domains that can be envisaged as a basis for a bit patterned media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]