Nanostructure Evolution of Co-Evaporated FeNi–SiO2 Magnetic Nanoparticle Film Prepared Under High Magnetic Field

FeNi-SiO
₂
nanoparticle films were fabricated by the co-evaporation of FeNi and SiO
₂
under high magnetic field (HMF). Then, this paper explores the effects of phase formation and elemental distribution inside the nanoparticles on magnetic properties. The results show that the spherical FeNi nanoparticles with an average diameter of about 4 nm dispersed uniformly in the insulating SiO
₂
matrix. Furthermore, the HMF reduces Fe contents due to different magnitudes of the magnetization force on the evaporated Fe and Ni. This leads to different Fe contents inside each nanoparticle although Fe:Ni atomic ratio remains unchanged in depth. This results in the coexistence of bcc and fcc phases in the nanoparticles. The HMF enhances magnetic anisotropy in the films. The higher Fe content in the nanoparticles results in a higher saturation magnetization.