Magnetic induction mapping of magnetite chains in magnetotactic bacteria at room temperature and close to the Verwey transition using electron holography

E. T. Simpson, T. Kasama, M. Pósfai, P R Buseck, R. J. Harrison, R. E. Dunin-Borkowski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

62 Scopus citations

Abstract

Off-axis electron holography in the transmission electron microscope is used to record magnetic induction maps of closely spaced magnetite crystals in magnetotactic bacteria at room temperature and after cooling the sample using liquid nitrogen. The magnetic microstructure is related to the morphology and crystallography of the particles, and to interparticle interactions. At room temperature, the magnetic signal is dominated by interactions and shape anisotropy, with highly parallel and straight field lines following the axis of each chain of crystals closely. In contrast, at low temperature the magnetic induction undulates along the length of the chain. This behaviour may result from a competition between interparticle interactions and an easy axis of magnetisation that is no longer parallel to the chain axis. The quantitative nature of electron holography also allows the change in magnetisation in the crystals with temperature to be measured.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)108-121
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Physics: Conference Series
Volume17
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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