Influence of particle size on the magnetic viscosity and activation volume of /spl alpha/-Fe nanowires in alumite films

Particle size effects on the magnetic viscosity and activation volume were studied at room temperature for elongated /spl alpha/-Fe particles in alumite (Fe nanowires in an anodized aluminum oxide film). Both magnetic viscosity and activation volume are strongly dependent on the particle diameter, but independent of the particle length. The magnetization reversal mechanism of elongated /spl alpha/-Fe particles in alumite films is discussed. The activation volume may represent the size of the magnetic switching unit propagating along the particle length during the non-uniform magnetization reversal.