We perform micromagnetic simulations of the magnetization distribution in inverse opal-like structures (IOLS) made from ferromagnetic materials (nickel and cobalt). It is shown that the unit cell of these complex structures, whose characteristic length is approximately 700 nm, can be divided into a set of structural elements some of which behave like Ising-like objects. A spin-ice behavior of IOLS is observed in a broad range of external magnetic fields. Numerical results describe successfully the experimental hysteresis curves of the magnetization in Ni- and Co-based IOLS. We conclude that ferromagnetic IOLS can be considered as the first realization of three-dimensional artificial spin ice. The problem is discussed of optimal geometrical properties and material characteristics of IOLS for the spin-ice rule fulfillment. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)609-619
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials
Volume441
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017

    Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

    Research areas

  • Artificial spin ice, Micromagnetics, Inverse opal, OSCILLATORY THICKNESS DEPENDENCE, COERCIVE FIELD, PARTICLES, FABRICATION, CRYSTALS, ORIGIN, ARRAYS, STATE

ID: 9148522