Magnetic Properties of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Obtained by Laser Evaporation

Abstract

The paper concentrates on a synthesis of spherical magnetic particles obtained by laser evaporation under various process conditions. Depending on the process conditions, which include the pressure in a process chamber, laser pulse duration, mean laser power, and the type of power gas, the stoichiometry of the material ranges from Fe_2.70O₄ to Fe_2.84O₄, while the average diameter of nanoparticles ranges between 10–23 nm. The nanoparticles have an inverse spinel structure. In terms of the magnetic properties, the samples are a superparamagnetic ensemble. The spherical shape of the majority of nanoparticles as well as the existence of merely one magnetic phase are verified by the characteristics of microwave absorption. A relatively high saturation magnetization and a narrow size distribution of small nanoparticles obtained at 700 mmHg working pressure, 100 ms pulse duration, and 200 W laser power allow the authors to consider these conditions to be the most optimum for the nanopowder synthesis and recommend them for biological applications.