Superparamagnetic nanoparticle ensembles

Magnetic single-domain nanoparticles constitute an important model system in magnetism. In particular, ensembles of superparamagnetic nanoparticles can exhibit a rich variety of different behaviors depending on the inter-particle interactions. Starting from isolated single-domain ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic nanoparticles, the magnetization behavior of both non-interacting and interacting particle ensembles is reviewed. Particular attention is given to the relaxation time of the system. In the case of interacting nanoparticles the usual Neel-Brown relaxation law becomes modified. With increasing interactions, modified superparamagnetism, spin glass behavior and superferromagnetism are encountered. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.