Reversible photoinduced switching of magnetic properties at room temperature of iron oxide particles in self-assembled films containing azobenzene

The use of organized organic assemblies to direct the formation of mesoscopic inorganic structures presents many possibilities in the development of new functional materials. We have designed nano-films containing iron oxide particles, which exhibit magnetic properties at room temperature, and azobenzene by use of an alternate adsorption technique. Photoisomerization of the film was accompanied by a geometrically confined structural change, as reflected by changes in the electrostatic field. As a result, we were able to control the magnetic properties of this film by photoillumination at room temperature. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.