Magnetic characterization of a single superparamagnetic bead by phase-sensitive micro-Hall magnetometry

Abstract

Employing phase sensitive micro-Hall magnetometry at room temperature, we map the susceptibility of a single superparamagnetic bead, 1.2μm in diameter, as a function of magnetic field. We find that the dependence can be explained by modeling the bead as an ensemble of noninteracting superparamagnetic nanoparticles with log-normal distribution of magnetic moments. We also discuss the effect of possible dipolar interactions between the nanoparticles on the obtained results.