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Title: Magnetic Ni‐Nanoinclusions in VO 2 Thin Films for Broad Tuning of Phase Transition Properties
Abstract Mott insulator VO2exhibits an ultrafast and reversible semiconductor‐to‐metal transition (SMT) near 340 K (67 °C). In order to fulfill the multifunctional device applications, effective transition temperature (Tc) tuning as well as integrated functionality in VO2is desired. In this study, multifunctionalities including tailorable SMT characteristics, ferromagnetic (FM) integration, and magneto‐optical (MO) coupling, have been demonstrated via metal/VO2nanocomposite designs with controlled morphology, i.e., a two‐phase Ni/VO2pillar‐in‐matrix geometry and a three‐phase Au/Ni/VO2particle‐in‐matrix geometry. EvidentTcreduction of 20.4 to 54.9 K has been achieved by morphology engineering. Interestingly, the Au/Ni/VO2film achieves a record‐lowTcof 295.2 K (22.2 °C), slightly below room temperature (25 °C). The change in film morphology is also correlated with unique property tuning. Highly anisotropic magnetic and optical properties have been demonstrated in Ni/VO2film, whereas Au/Ni/VO2film exhibits isotropic properties because of the uniform distribution of Au/Ni nanoparticles. Furthermore, a strong MO coupling with enhanced magnetic coercivity and anisotropy is demonstrated for both films, indicating great potential for optically active property tuning. This demonstration opens exciting opportunities for the VO2‐based device implementation towards smart windows, next‐generation optical‐coupled switches, and spintronic devices.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2016453 1809520
PAR ID:
10528434
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Advanced Physics Research
Edition / Version:
1
Volume:
2
Issue:
12
ISSN:
2751-1200
Format(s):
Medium: X Size: 2MB Other: PDF-A
Size(s):
2MB
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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