Site-specific magnetic assembly of nanowires for sensor arrays fabrication

The effect of variation in local magnetic field on magnetic assembly of 30 and 200 nm diameter Ni nanowires synthesized by template directed electrodeposition was investigated with different materials (Ni-Ni and Ni-Au) and shapes of electrodes. Ni-Au paired electrodes improved confinement of the assembled Ni nanowires across the electrode gap because of the narrower distribution of magnetic field around the gap between the two electrodes. Simulation results indicated a local magnetic field strength at the electrode tip increased by a factor of 2.5 with the use of a needle-shape electrode as compared to rectangular-shape electrode. The resistance of nanowire interconnects increased as the applied voltage was raised, and under the same applied voltage, the increase in resistance is further enhanced at lower temperatures because of higher current density.