Correlation between magnetic spin structure and the three-dimensional geometry in chemically synthesized nanoscale magnetite rings

The correlation between magnetic spin structure and geometry in nanoscale chemically synthesized Fe3O4 rings has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy. We find primarily the flux closure vortex states but in rings with thickness variations, an effective stray field occurs. Using tomography, we determine the complete three-dimensional geometries of thicker rings.

A direct correlation between the geometry and the magnetization which points out of plane in the thickest parts of the ring yielding an intermediate magnetic state between the vortex state and the tube state is found. The interaction between exchange coupled rings leads to antiparallel vortex states and extended onion states. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.