Functionalized cluster-assembled magnetic nanostructures for applications to high integration-density devices

This paper presents recent results on the preparation and characterization of original magnetic nanostructures from nanoclusters preformed in the gas phase. Magnetic binary-clusters (i.e. Co-Sm, Co-Pt, Co-Ag) with rather well controlled sizes, structures and compositions, are prepared in the gas phase using a combined laser vaporization-rare gas condensation source and subsequently deposited at low energy (LECBD: Low Energy Cluster Beam Deposition) on various functionalized substrates to grow cluster-assembled magnetic nanostructures exhibiting specific magnetic properties. Especially a high magnetic anisotropy and consequently a high magnetic blocking temperature compatible with future applications to high density memory devices and spin electronics are expected. In this context of applications, 2D-organized arrays of functionalized binary-cluster assembled dots are prepared by LECBD on FIB-functionalized substrates 2 (FIB: Focussed Ion Beam) with the ultimate objective to reach areal densities in the range of the Tbits/in(2).