Synthesis and atomic-level characterization of Ni nanoparticles in Al2O3 matrix

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Abstract
Single domain magnetic nickel nanocrystals were embedded in alumina matrix using a pulsed-laser deposition technique. Structural characterization carried out at the atomic level using scanning transmission electron microscopy with atomic number contrast (STEM-Z) in conjunction with electron energy loss spectroscopy have revealed that the Ni particles are well separated and have interfaces with the host matrix that are atomically sharp and free of any oxide layer. An excellent correlation was found between particle sizes determined theoretically from magnetization versus field data and experimentally using STEM-Z which indicates the absence of any magnetically dead layers on the Ni nanoparticles within an experimental error of 0.1 monolayer.