Synthesis and Properties of Nanoscale Bismuth-Iron Garnet Films for Magnetoplasmonic Heterostructures

Abstract

A method for the synthesis of symmetric magnetoplasmonic crystals with the plasmonic lattice of gold inserted into a magnetic dielectric is proposed. The successive application of ion-beam sputter deposition, rapid annealing, milling with a focused ion beam, and ion etching are shown to allow the plasmonic lattice of gold to be encapsulated by a polycrystalline Bi₃Fe₅O₁₂ layer. Diffusion spreading, evaporation, and granulation do not significantly influence the grid’s geometry. These magnetoplasmonic crystals can be used as magnetic-optical sensors and have a high mechanical resistance.