Ground state microstructure of a ferrofluid thin layer

Abstract

Using a fine weave of theoretical analysis and computer simulations, we found various aggregates of magnetic single-domain nanoparticles, which can form in a quasi-two-dimensional (q2D) ferrofluid layer at low temperatures. Our theoretical investigation allowed us to obtain exact expressions and their asymptotes for the energies of each configuration. Thus, for ferrofluid q2D layers it proved possible to identify the ground states as a function of the particle number, size, and other system parameters. Our suggested approach can be used for the investigation of ground state structures in systems with more complex interparticle interactions.