Numerical Investigation of the Magnetodynamics of Self-Organizing Nanoparticle Ensembles: A Hybrid Molecular and Spin Dynamics Approach

Magnetoresistive sensor devices can be developed in the form of magnetic multilayer systems or on the basis of magnetic nanoparticles or beads that are immersed in a nonmagnetic matrix. Using a conductive gel matrix with a liquid-solid transition, printable low-cost sensor systems can be developed. While in the liquid state of the gel, the magnetoresistive properties can be adjusted by structuring the magnetic particles by means of an external magnetic field. Then, the optimized properties are preserved in the solid state of the gel. In order to design sensor devices, numerical investigation is an essential tool. Here, we present a hybrid approach that involves classical spin dynamics and molecular dynamics simulations. By this means, detailed information about the structuring process of interacting magnetic particles can be obtained. Furthermore, it can be concluded with the magnetoresistive properties from the resulting magnetization curves.