Resolving 3D magnetism in nanoparticles using polarization analyzed SANS

Utilizing a polarized He-3 cell as an analyzer we were able to perform a full polarization analysis on small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) data from an ensemble of 7 turn magnetite nanoparticles. The results led to clear separation of magnetic and nuclear scattering plus a 3D vectorial decomposition of the magnetism observed. At remanence variation in long-range magnetic correlation length was found to be highly dependent on temperature from 50 to 300 K. Additionally, we were able to compare the magnetic scattering from moments along and perpendicular to an applied field at saturation and in remanence. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.