Micro-sized components analysis is essential to attaining desirable performance characteristics in next-generation nanoelectronic technologies, including low power consumption and fast speeds. The magnetic materials used in such devices, on the other hand, frequently display extraordinarily complex relationships involving nanostructures with magnetic domains. Such, in turn, makes practical design difficult.

Traditionally, researchers have analyzed tiny picture data visually. However, this frequently results in the qualitative and extremely subjective interpretation of such data. A causal explanation of the mechanisms behind the complicated interplay in nanoscale magnetic properties is absent.

A group of scientists headed by Prof. Masato Kotsugi of Tokyo University of Science, Japan, achieved a remarkable breakthrough reported in Scientific Reports by automating the interpretation of microscopic imaging data.

'Extended Landau Free Energy Model'

This was accomplished with the help of an 'Extended Landau Free Energy Model' constructed by scientists using a fusion of topology, data science, plus free energy. The model was able to depict the physical explanation as well as the key position of the magnetic force, and it also provided an appropriate form for a nanodevice, as stated by the research team.

The model drew energetic landscapes within an information environment using physics-based characteristics, which might be utilized to comprehend interconnections at the nanoscale in a wide range of materials as explained by Science Daily.

Traditional analyses are performed on a visual assessment of microscopic analysis, and the correlations with the component function are only stated subjectively, which is a significant bottleneck for design techniques.

Their enhanced Landau free energy model allows us to pinpoint the physical genesis and location of these materials' complicated behaviors. Prof. Kotsugi says that this strategy addresses the explainability difficulty encountered by reinforcement learning, which amounts to fabricating new physical rules. KAKENHI, JSPS, as well as the MEXT-Program for Creation of Innovative Core Technology for Power Electronics Grant contributed towards this study.

The scientists used cutting-edge techniques in topology with data science to enhance the Landau free energy model when creating the model. This resulted in a model that allowed for a causal study of nanomagnet magnetization reversal.

A new physical theory for advanced materials creates effective visualization of optimal structure for nanodevices.
(Photo : Kotsugi Laboratory from Tokyo University of Science, Japan)
An image depicting the extended Landau free energy model developed by a research team from Tokyo University of Science, which enables a causal analysis of the magnetization reversal in nanomagnets. Through this model, the team could visualize magnetic domain images effectively and were successful in the inverse designing of nanostructures with low energy requirements.

ALSO READ: Novel Kind of Nanoparticle Can Support Identifying An Ectopic Pregnancy [Study]

Magnetic 'Pinning Phenomenon'

The research team then performed an automated physical origin identification and presentation of the unique magnetic domain pictures. The model described in this work is likely to help with the advancement of spintronics, quantum information systems, and Web 3.

Their findings showed that demagnetization energy near a defect causes a magnetic effect, that's fundamental for the "pinning phenomenon." Furthermore, the team was able to observe the challenges and opportunities of energy barriers, which had never been done before. Finally, the researchers presented a topologically inverted design of low-power recording devices and nanostructures.

Their suggested approach offers up new avenues for magnetic property optimization in material engineering. Finally, the expanded technique will permit researchers to determine 'why' and 'where' a material's function is manifested. Prof. Kotsugi concludes that the examination of material functions, that previously relied on visual inspection, may now be quantified, allowing for exact functional design.

RELATED ARTICLE: New Nanoparticles Designed for Cancer Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

Check out more news and information about Nanotechnology in Science Times.