Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MIDAS (Magnetic 3D nanowire networks)
Reporting period: 2023-10-01 to 2025-09-30
The scope of MIDAS (MagnetIc 3D nAnowire networkS) is the development of resilient materials for Space technology. Space environment is harsh and pushes devices to the limits of radiation tolerance, temperature swifts and mechanical loads. Moreover, electronic devices in payloads and platforms must be lightweight and low volume. We propose to use three-dimensional magnetic nanowire networks (3DNNs) for a highly performance, long-life, and lightweight solution. The MIDAS project will complement experimental research of magnetic 3DNNs with advanced computational approaches with the aim of providing a framework to fully characterize the complex magnetic behavior of these systems for space applications. The project objective has a high level of interdisciplinarity by covering different fields such as nano-physics, chemistry, magnetism, aerospace science and computer science.
The first challenge relates to the fact that the current studies of the magnetic properties of 3DNNs lack the investigation of the following fundamental elements: 1) intrinsic magnetic properties for a range of magnetic materials, e.g. nickel-iron alloys, 2) magnetic response depending on geometrical parameters and 3) ferromagnetic resonance frequency.
The second challenge is related to the understanding of the arising complex panorama of magnetic domain configurations due to the interplay of the intrinsic and geometrical parameters. In a 3DNN, the magnetic response is determined by the competition of long-range magnetostatic, exchange and anisotropic energies, plus geometrical aspects, such as the diameter of the nanowire and the inter-wire distance. This requires the use of advanced computational techniques, such as micromagnetism, to model the magnetic response of experimental 3DNNs.
The third challenge is to determine the degradation of the performance of magnetic 3DNNs under both temperature and radiation conditions in space.
This will be addressed by using experimental techniques replicating these extreme conditions. The overcoming of these three challenges will allow the MIDAS project to develop a sufficiently general understanding and a complex model to investigate the basis of magnetic 3DNNs by: 1) identifying the ideal intrinsic system properties for optimized electromagnetic compatibility, 2) determining the role of geometric configuration, 3) computing the complex spatial magnetization profiles and 4) assess the suitability of magnetic 3DNNs as absorbers of the electromagnetic interference for satellites applications.
The first challenge relates to the fact that the current studies of the magnetic properties of 3DNNs lack the investigation of the following fundamental elements: 1) intrinsic magnetic properties for a range of magnetic materials, e.g. nickel-iron alloys, 2) magnetic response depending on geometrical parameters and 3) ferromagnetic resonance frequency.
The second challenge is related to the understanding of the arising complex panorama of magnetic domain configurations due to the interplay of the intrinsic and geometrical parameters. In a 3DNN, the magnetic response is determined by the competition of long-range magnetostatic, exchange and anisotropic energies, plus geometrical aspects, such as the diameter of the nanowire and the inter-wire distance. This requires the use of advanced computational techniques, such as micromagnetism, to model the magnetic response of experimental 3DNNs.
The third challenge is to determine the degradation of the performance of magnetic 3DNNs under both temperature and radiation conditions in space.
This will be addressed by using experimental techniques replicating these extreme conditions. The overcoming of these three challenges will allow the MIDAS project to develop a sufficiently general understanding and a complex model to investigate the basis of magnetic 3DNNs by: 1) identifying the ideal intrinsic system properties for optimized electromagnetic compatibility, 2) determining the role of geometric configuration, 3) computing the complex spatial magnetization profiles and 4) assess the suitability of magnetic 3DNNs as absorbers of the electromagnetic interference for satellites applications.
The project’s major breakthrough is the identification of a previously unknown magnetization reversal mechanism in 3D nanowire networks, driven by localized magnetic states arising from the interplay of dipolar and exchange interactions, magnetoelastic anisotropy, and microstructural effects. This mechanism fundamentally challenges existing models based primarily on 1D nanowire systems and establishes a new framework for understanding magnetization processes in three-dimensional magnetic architectures. The main scientific results have been published in Nanoscale (featured cover), significantly enhancing the visibility and impact of European research in nanomagnetism.
The project also demonstrated geometry-controlled magnetic behavior in 1D nanowire arrays and 3D nanowire networks of Ni–Fe alloys and revealed the role of transverse interconnectivity in high-anisotropy Co networks. Additional manuscripts on Ni–Fe and Co networks are in preparation, representing further contributions beyond the state of the art.
From a technological perspective, MIDAS established scalable fabrication protocols for 3D nanowire networks using self-assembled 3D anodic alumina templates, supporting future translation of these materials into industrial nanomanufacturing workflows.
Future needs for uptake and exploitation include: extended radiation and thermal cycling experiments under ECSS-qualified protocols; fabrication of mechanically reinforced 3DNNs for integration into device-level demonstrators; refined FMR and high-frequency characterization to validate EMI-absorbing performance; collaborative efforts with aerospace industry partners to assess market and application potential; support for open data, reproducibility, and further development of the executable paper to facilitate community adoption.
The project also demonstrated geometry-controlled magnetic behavior in 1D nanowire arrays and 3D nanowire networks of Ni–Fe alloys and revealed the role of transverse interconnectivity in high-anisotropy Co networks. Additional manuscripts on Ni–Fe and Co networks are in preparation, representing further contributions beyond the state of the art.
From a technological perspective, MIDAS established scalable fabrication protocols for 3D nanowire networks using self-assembled 3D anodic alumina templates, supporting future translation of these materials into industrial nanomanufacturing workflows.
Future needs for uptake and exploitation include: extended radiation and thermal cycling experiments under ECSS-qualified protocols; fabrication of mechanically reinforced 3DNNs for integration into device-level demonstrators; refined FMR and high-frequency characterization to validate EMI-absorbing performance; collaborative efforts with aerospace industry partners to assess market and application potential; support for open data, reproducibility, and further development of the executable paper to facilitate community adoption.
The project’s major breakthrough is the identification of a previously unknown magnetization reversal mechanism in 3D nanowire networks, driven by localized magnetic states arising from the interplay of dipolar and exchange interactions, magnetoelastic anisotropy, and microstructural effects. This mechanism fundamentally challenges existing models based primarily on 1D nanowire systems and establishes a new framework for understanding magnetization processes in three-dimensional magnetic architectures. The main scientific results have been published in Nanoscale (featured cover), significantly enhancing the visibility and impact of European research in nanomagnetism.
The project also demonstrated geometry-controlled magnetic behavior in 1D nanowire arrays and 3D nanowire networks of Ni–Fe alloys and revealed the role of transverse interconnectivity in high-anisotropy Co networks. Additional manuscripts on Ni–Fe and Co networks are in preparation, representing further contributions beyond the state of the art.
From a technological perspective, MIDAS established scalable fabrication protocols for 3D nanowire networks using self-assembled 3D anodic alumina templates, supporting future translation of these materials into industrial nanomanufacturing workflows.
Future needs for uptake and exploitation include: extended radiation and thermal cycling experiments under ECSS-qualified protocols; fabrication of mechanically reinforced 3DNNs for integration into device-level demonstrators; refined FMR and high-frequency characterization to validate EMI-absorbing performance; collaborative efforts with aerospace industry partners to assess market and application potential; support for open data, reproducibility, and further development of the executable paper to facilitate community adoption.
The project also demonstrated geometry-controlled magnetic behavior in 1D nanowire arrays and 3D nanowire networks of Ni–Fe alloys and revealed the role of transverse interconnectivity in high-anisotropy Co networks. Additional manuscripts on Ni–Fe and Co networks are in preparation, representing further contributions beyond the state of the art.
From a technological perspective, MIDAS established scalable fabrication protocols for 3D nanowire networks using self-assembled 3D anodic alumina templates, supporting future translation of these materials into industrial nanomanufacturing workflows.
Future needs for uptake and exploitation include: extended radiation and thermal cycling experiments under ECSS-qualified protocols; fabrication of mechanically reinforced 3DNNs for integration into device-level demonstrators; refined FMR and high-frequency characterization to validate EMI-absorbing performance; collaborative efforts with aerospace industry partners to assess market and application potential; support for open data, reproducibility, and further development of the executable paper to facilitate community adoption.