This dissertation describes experimental studies of how a spatially alternating magnetic field can effectively pin the magnetic flux in a superconducting thin film (Pb 82 Bi18), thereby enhancing the superconductivity. The spatially alternating magnetic field was provided by a periodic array of nano-sized magnetic structures: 300 nm spacing triangular array of cobalt rods with 100 nm diameter and 300 nm height. The superconducting film deposited on top of the magnetic structures, or an embedded Ferromagnet- Superconductor Hybrids (FSH), showed enhanced critical current and critical magnetic field. The embedded FSH also showed the field matching effect, the field compensation effect, and hysteresis. This dissertation also explains how to fabricate and characterize magnetic nano- structures. Electron beam lithography and electroplating method were used to fabricate the magnetic nanostructures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize the structures of the magnetic rods. Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) was used to study their magnetic properties.

This research investigates the transport properties of ferromagnetic nanostructures made by nickel or cobalt on superconducting thin films. The superconducting thin films were covered by an insulating layer, and the periodic ferromagnetic nanostructures were fabricated on top of the insulating layer. On separate superconducting thin films, periodic ferromagnetic nanostructures were embedded into the thin films. The photolithography method was used to make contact pads for a four-probe measurement. In order to fabricate the magnetic nanostructures, an Electron Beam Lithography (EBL) system was utilized. The nanoscale patterns were filled with ferromagnetic materials by using a thermal evaporating method or an electroplating technique. The superconducting properties were measured at low temperature (2.0 K

The ability to understand and control the unique properties of interfaces has created an entirely new field of magnetism which already has a profound impact in technology and is providing the basis for a revolution in electronics. The last decade has seen dramatic progress in the development of magnetic devices for information technology but also in the basic understanding of the physics of magnetic nanostructures. This volume describes thin film magnetic properties and methods for characterising thin film structure topics that underpin the present 'spintronics' revolution in which devices are based on combined magnetic materials and semiconductors. Volume IV deals with the fundamentals of spintronics: magnetoelectronic materials, spin injection and detection, micromagnetics and the development of magnetic random access memory based on GMR and tunnel junction devices. Together these books provide readers with a comprehensive account of an exciting and rapidly developing field. The treatment is designed to be accessible both to newcomers and to experts already working in this field who would like to get a better understanding of this very diversified area of research.

A collection of articles on different approaches to the investigation of surface effects on nanosized magnetic materials, with special emphasis on magnetic nanoparticles. The book provides an overview of progress in the field through recent results.

The search for cleaner, cheaper, smaller and more efficient energy technologies has to a large extent been motivated by the development of new materials. The aim of this collection of articles is therefore to focus on what materials-based solutions can offer and show how the rational design and improvement of their physical and chemical properties can lead to energy-production alternatives that have the potential to compete with existing technologies. In terms of alternative means to generate electricity that utilize renewable energy sources, the most dramatic breakthroughs for both mobile (i.e., transportation) and stationary applications are taking place in the fields of solar and fuel cells. And from an energy-storage perspective, exciting developments can be seen emerging from the fields of rechargeable batteries and hydrogen storage.

With the continuous advancement of nanoscale-based data storage and memory technologies, a significant reduction in the dimensions of various materials and devices lead to an array of advancement-hindering phenomenon. The roadblock for these technologies is to find nanomaterials that can support the operation and progression with reducing scales. The focus of the presented research is to create new thin film compositions that take advantage of already optimized conventional materials. We explore layering different thin films in a way that uses the strength of each material while minimizes their weaknesses. These multilayer thin films are tailor-made to the specific functionality of a device or technology. In this work, design, fabrication, and characterization solutions relating to optical-based and magnetic-based futuristic nanotechnologies are explored.