Reduction of magnetostatic interactions in self-organized arrays of nickel nanowires using atomic layer deposition

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that applying atomic layer deposition to reduce pore diameter in nickel nanowire arrays diminishes magnetostatic interactions, enabling better control for potential use in magnetic racetrack memories.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of using atomic layer deposition to decrease pore size, reducing interactions and improving magnetic properties of nanowire arrays.

Findings

Reduced magnetostatic interactions in nanowire arrays

Achieved fully remanent hysteresis loops

Enhanced potential for magnetic memory applications

Abstract

Ordered arrays of magnetic nanowires are commonly synthesized by electrodeposition in nanoporous alumina templates. Due to their dense packing, strong magnetostatic interactions prevent the manipulation of wires individually. Using atomic layer deposition we reduce the diameter of the pores prior to electrodeposition. This reduces magnetostatic interactions, yielding fully remanent hysteresis loops. This is a first step towards the use of such arrays for magnetic racetrack memories.