Quantum theory of magnetic nanostructures opens new routes to magnetic material design

Transition metals nanoalloys are emerging as an important multidisciplinary field with increasing impact throughout nanoscience and technology. Many body phenomena like magnetism are particularly interesting in this context since, as a result of their quantum mechanical nature, they are very sensitive to the local and chemical environment of the atoms. The microscopic understanding of the trends governing the properties of these binary nanoparticles constitutes an important step towards quantum-based magnetic nanoalloy design. Their novel electronic and magnetic properties should open a wide range of potential applications, e.g., in high-density recording, spintronics or biomedicine. In view of applications, the magnetic anisotropy energy plays a particularly important role. In this contribution, we first review the MAE of Co xRh1x nanoalloys in order to disclose their dependence on relevant parameters like composition, size and chemical order. Second, we discuss the possibility of tailoring giant MAE by alloying 3d and 5d elements by taking 3d-Pt wires as representative examples. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.

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