Induced magnetic ordering by proton irradiation in graphite

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Nuclear Materials

Background:

• Highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) is a well-established material in various scientific applications.
• Understanding the magnetic properties of graphite under irradiation is crucial for advanced material design.
• Previous studies have explored modifications of graphite, but inducing robust magnetism remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the magnetic properties of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite after proton irradiation.
• To determine the nature and stability of any induced magnetic ordering.
• To explore the potential for creating novel magnetic materials from graphite.

Main Methods:

• Proton irradiation of HOPG samples with 2.25 MeV protons.
• Magnetic measurements using a superconducting quantum interferometer device (SQUID).
• Microscopic analysis utilizing magnetic force microscopy (MFM).

Main Results:

• Proton irradiation at 2.25 MeV successfully triggered ferro- or ferrimagnetism in HOPG.
• Magnetic ordering was confirmed through SQUID magnetometry and MFM imaging.
• The induced magnetic properties were found to be stable at room temperature.

Conclusions:

• Proton irradiation is an effective method for inducing stable ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic properties in highly oriented pyrolytic graphite.
• The room-temperature stability of the induced magnetism opens avenues for applications in magnetic devices and spintronics.
• This research contributes to the field of radiation effects in materials and the development of novel magnetic carbon-based materials.