Templated synthesis of magnetic nanowires by electrochemical deposition

There has been much interest in magnetic nanowire because of its perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, enhanced coercivity and large giant magnetoresistance (GMR). So, it is supposed that magnetic nanowires have potential applications to ultra-high-density magnetic recording and high sensitive sensors. Many kinds of methods have been used for the growth of nanowires with diameter ranging from 10nm to few hundred nanometers, however, template assisted electrochemical deposition exhibits many advantages on the growth of metal nanowires. In this work, two-step anodic alumina templates were fabricated for the growth of magnetic nanowires. These templates provided platforms for achieving uniform nanowires. Moreover, nano-imprinting was introduced for the formation of nanopore arrays with long-range order. A new Si3N4 thin film nano-stamp was developed, which is much simpler and more cost-effective. Also, nanopore patterning alignment was successfully achieved without using e-beam lithography. This would provide the opportunity to electrically address each single nanostructure in arrays with high density. The growth of magnetic nanowires was done by eletrodeposition, which included single element Co and Co/Cu multilayered nanowires. Their structures, magnetic and transport properties have been investigated, and were tailored by optimizing the fabrication process. It was shown that the composition of magnetic nanowires was a function of deposition potential. And the structure of electrodeposited Co was affected by the pH of electrolyte and growth rate. GMR and spin transfer torque have been performed on the Co/Cu nanowires. A GMR of 22% was achieved in Co/Cu nanowires. Different magnetoresistance behaviors were observed, which were related to the magnetic anisotropy of the nanowires. It was the first time to detect spin transfer torque in the nanowires with hundreds of Co/Cu bilayers. The switching current density was about 107A/cm2. This process demonstrated the fabrication of nanowire GMR sensor arrays, which have potential applications to HDD read sensors and MRAM.