This work involves a balanced theoretical and experimental program designed to relate the microscopic properties of collections of magnetic particles to their macroscopic response to a magnetic field. This fundamental research has potential for application in the magnetic recording industry. The research group receives substantial matching funds from the Center for Magnetic Recording Research at UC San Diego. The theoretical work applies finite element analytical methods, as well as an integral equation approach, to micromagnetic behavior. A wide variety of experimental methods are employed. They range from modern nano-scale lithographic methods to an innovative use of the classical Millikan oil-drop technique. The latter is used to levitate a magnetic particle in an oil bath and measure its magnetic moment. Further research is devoted to the important problem of inter-particle interactions across contact asperities. This topic is being investigated by high resolution electron microscopy with collaborators at UC Berkeley.
