Spatial magnetization profile in spherical nanomagnets with surface anisotropy: Green's function approach

Abstract: We consider a single spherical nanomagnet and investigate the spatial magnetization profile $\mathbf{m}\left(\mathbf{r}\right)$ in the continuum approach, using the Green's function formalism. The energy of the (many-spin) nanomagnet comprises an isotropic exchange interaction, a uniaxial anisotropy in the core and N\'eel's surface anisotropy, and an external magnetic field. We derive a semi-analytical expression for the magnetization vector field $\mathbf{m}\left(\mathbf{r}\right)$ for an arbitrary position $\mathbf{r}$ within and on the boundary of the nanomagnet, as a solution of a homogeneous Helmholtz equation with inhomogeneous Neumann boundary conditions. ... For a more plausible comparison with experiments, e.g. using the technique of small-angle magnetic neutron scattering, we have averaged over the direction solid angle and derived the spatial profile in terms of the distance $r$. We believe that the predictions of the present study could help to characterize and understand the effects of size and surface anisotropy on the magnetization configurations in nanomagnet assemblies such as arrays of well-spaced platelets.