Target Configuration\nEffect on Microstructures and\nProperties of Vertically Aligned Nanocomposites

Vertically\naligned nanocomposites (VANs) are unique thin\nfilms\nwith vertical nanostructures embedded in a matrix material, allowing\nfor the integration of two distinct materials. These nanocomposites\noffer novel combined physical properties, such as nanocomposite-based\nmultiferroics and strongly coupled physical properties, such as magneto-optic\ncoupling. Much work has been conducted in exploring different two-phase\ncombinations and various processing conditions to achieve novel tunable\nproperties that cannot be obtained by any single-phase material alone.\nIn this work, the target configuration effects are explored for the\ngrowth of LaFeO<sub>3</sub>–CoNi<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> VANs.\nBoth mixed and pie-shaped targets are utilized to compare the target\nconfiguration effects on the phase separation, morphology tuning,\nand their resulting physical properties, including optical and magnetic\nproperties. This work suggests that the target configuration is another\nimportant parameter for achieving the desired VAN morphology and can\nbe used to design different two-phase VANs with tailorable properties.