Changing the three-dimensional magnetization exchange coupling of mixed Fe and v nanoclusters with hydrogen

Abstract

The magneto-optical Kerr effect of an iron-vanadium nanocluster-assembled thin film was measured as a function of hydrogen content. Hydrogen has a clear effect on the magnetization of this three-dimensional exchange coupled system for both increasing and decreasing hydrogen pressures. This effect is attributed to the modification of the electronic properties of the nonmagnetic vanadium nanoclusters by hydrogen. Since vanadium mediates the exchange coupling between aggregated iron nanoclusters, the changes in magnetic properties are directly related to hydrogen absorption. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.