Nanohybrids with novel properties

Ivan K. Schuller, UCSD, DMR 03-53729

(a)

1 m

“Imprinting properties of a magnetic dot array into a superconductor”BASIC RESEARCH

Issue: Interplay between two materials in close proximity, with antagonistic properties

Relevance: Nanoscale interactions, novel solid state devices

System: Array of ferromagnetic nanodots covered with a superconducting thin film.

Method: Resistivity and magnetization vs. applied magnetic field.

Results: Nanodots of carefully chosen sizes exhibit a magnetic “vortex” state (see upper panel). When covered by a superconducting film, this system shows hybridized properties: a superconducting transition, hysteresis and remanence. For a fixed field there are two very different resistivities (lower panel) depending of the magnetic history. This artificially induced behavior leads to a novel, extremely high magnetoresistance.

AWARDS

• 5 Regional EMMYsProduction, Lighting, Acting, Camera, Special Effects

• 2 TELLYs• MRS prize

• 15 Satellite TV ShowsNorthern Hemisphere, US, Chile, • ToursAustralia, New Zeeland, India

• Museums Mexico, Chile, Spain, San Diego

• Public LecturesNY, San Francisco, Santiago, San Diego, Brussels, Mexico

A 27 minute TV program was produced which explains difficultconcepts from Nanoscience to the general public. Explanations of nanofabrication, quantum mechanicaltunneling, and magnetism are presentedin a humorous and entertaining fashion

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