Nanomagnetic structure of composite films with cubic array distribution of FeNi nanoparticles

It is difficult to fabricate magnetic films containing small nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution. The nanomagnetic structural evolutions inside the nanoparticles in these types of films play a key role in the development of the magnetic properties. Magnetic composite films with a cubic array distribution of the nanoparticles are obtained using the layered growth of FeNi–SiO and SiO by the vacuum thermal evaporation method. The films contain small nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution (4.59 ± 0.18 nm) and an ordered cubic array. In the films, the magnetic induction lines measured by the differential phase contrast microscopy of the transmission electron microscope confirm that the disordered domain becomes multi-domain with an ordered cubic array. Furthermore, the saturation magnetization of such a film is higher than that of a pure FeNi film, despite the presence of the nonmagnetic SiO dielectric. This type of new material can be used in magnetic shields with a weak magnetic field and highly sensitive magnetic sensors.