Growth and properties of hybrid Au–Co_0.8Ni_0.2 nanowires embedded in SrTiO₃/SrTiO₃(001)

Abstract We present a sequential growth scheme based on pulsed laser deposition, which yields dense arrays of ultrathin, match-shaped Au/CoNi nanopillars, vertically embedded in SrTiO₃ thin films. Analysis of the magnetic properties of these nanocomposites reveals a pronounced out-of-plane anisotropy. We show that the latter not only results from the peculiar nanoarchitecture of the hybrid films but is further enhanced by strong magneto-structural coupling of the wires to the surrounding matrix. Finally, we provide a detailed overview of the optical response of these vertical nanostructures. Combining ellipsometry measurements with finite-difference time-domain simulations allows us to assess the potential of our self-assembly approach, as well as its possible shortcomings, for producing hybrid thin films with well-tailored magneto-plasmonic properties.