High-frequency magnetic response of superparamagnetic composites of spherical Fe65Co35 nanoparticles.

The response of composites of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with randomly-oriented magnetocrystalline anisotropy axes to a linearly-polarized ac field or a rotating field is studied with regard to the concept of using superparamagnetic nanocomposites as core materials for high (sub-GHz and GHz) frequency power conversion devices. We perform micromagnetic simulations of systems of spherical 5nm-diameter nanoparticles of Fe 65 Co 35 with two different concentrations arranged periodically within a dielectric matrix, including thermal fluctuations of the magnetization within the stochastic thermal field. Because the particles are closely packed, the effect of surface anisotropy is neglected. The dependence of the amplitude of the magnetic response function on temperature is determined. We show the inapplicability of Brown's classic theory of thermal excitations in single-domain magnetic particles for given material parameters even in the absence of the magnetostatic field. Magnetostatic interactions of MNPs are found to be necessary for stabilizing the dynamical magnetic response in the high temperature (low-energy-barrier) range. They allow for driving magnetization oscillations at room temperature with amplitude comparable to the zero-temperature case. Dynamical (hysteretic and residual) losses are discussed. • Arrays of superparamagnetic nanoparticles of 5 nm diameter respond strong to sub-GHz field up to room temperature. • A bias field perpendicular to the driving field allows for reducing thermal fluctuations of the magnetization of arrays. • Rotating field drives similar magnetic response as linearly-polarized field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]