Magnetic Anisotropy of a Single Cobalt Nanocluster

M. Jamet; W. Wernsdorfer; C. Thirion; D. Mailly; V. Dupuis; P. Mélinon; A. Pérez

doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.86.4676

Magnetic Anisotropy of a Single Cobalt Nanocluster

M. Jamet, W. Wernsdorfer, C. Thirion, D. Mailly, V. Dupuis, P. Mélinon, and A. Pérez

Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 4676 – Published 14 May 2001

Abstract

Using a new micro-SQUID setup, we investigate magnetic anisotropy in a single 1000-atom cobalt cluster. This system opens new fields in the characterization and understanding of the origin of magnetic anisotropy in such nanoparticles. For this purpose, we report three-dimensional switching field measurements performed on a 3 nm cobalt cluster embedded in a niobium matrix. We are able to separate the different magnetic anisotropy contributions and evidence the dominating role of the cluster surface.