Modifying the morphology and magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles using swift heavy ion irradiation

Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanospheres of ∼8-11 nm diameter synthesized using a chemical co-precipitation method were deposited as thin films on different substrates using spin coating. The thin films were irradiated with Ag ions at 100 MeV energy. Comparison of unirradiated, as synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticulate thin film and ion irradiated film shows that irradiation causes dramatic changes in the morphology, structure and magnetic properties. Monte Carlo simulations carried out on this system indicate that the origin of the changes in the magnetic properties lies in the enhanced magnetic anisotropy energy density and reorientation of magnetic easy axis.