Magneto-transport study of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles between Au nanogap electrodes on surface-oxidized Si substrate

We have studied the magneto-transport of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (MNPs) between Au nanogap electrodes (ANGEs) on surface-oxidized Si substrate. The MNP sizes are approximately 40 nm and the 100 nm thick magnetite thin film (which is formed of the MNP aggregation) was prepared between and around the ANGEs by use of the RF reactive magnetron sputtering method. The distance between the ANGEs and the bridge width of the ANGEs are approximately 50 nm and 1.5 μm, respectively. The ANGEs were produced by the tilted-angle-deposition method. The optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope were used to observe the sample surface structure and morphology. To investigate the crystal structure and crystallinity of the MNPs, the X-ray diffraction measurement was performed. The electrical resistance and magneto-resistance ratio of the MNPs between the ANGEs were measured as a function of temperature. The magneto-transport mechanism is discussed on the basis of the spin dependent transport.

► Between Au nanogap electrodes, magnetite nanoparticle aggregation was prepared.
► Magnetite nanoparticle aggregation was produced by the RF magnetron sputtering method.
► Resistivity and magnetoresistance of magnetite nanoparticle aggregation were measured.
► We propose the tunneling magneto-resistance model due to amorphous-like grain boundaries.
► The model explains temperature dependence on resistivity and magneto-resistance.