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ZFC/FC of oriented magnetic material in the Solenopsis interrupta head with antennae: Characterization by FMR and SQUID

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Abstract

Ferromagnetic resonance and SQUID magnetometry have been used to study magnetic material in the head with antennae, thorax, and abdomen of Solenopsis interrupta ants. The temperature dependence of the head with antennae using both techniques was measured. Room-temperature spectra and saturation magnetization were used to compare the magnetic material amount in the ant body parts. Both techniques show that the highest magnetic material fraction is in the head with antennae. The ordering temperature is observed at 100 ± 20 K for the ferromagnetic resonance spectra HF component. The estimated magnetic anisotropy constant K and g-values at room temperature are in good agreement with magnetite, supporting this material as the main magnetic particle constituent in the Solenopsis interrupta head with antenna. Particle diameters of 26 ± 2 nm and smaller than 14 nm were estimated. This work suggests that the head with antenna of the Solenopsis interrupta ant contains organized magnetic material and points to it as a good candidate as a magnetic sensor.

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Acknowledgements

Dr. A. Y. Harada, Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, PA, Brasil for S. interrupta identification, Roberto Eizemberg and Leandro Sabagh for help with ant nest collection and maintenance, and CNPq for financial support.

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  1. Leida G. Abraçado

    Present address: Instituto de ciências biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CCS, bloco F, cidade universitária, 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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  1. Departamento de Física Aplicada, Centro Brasileiro de pesquisas Físicas, Rua Dr. Xavier Sigaud 150, 22290-180, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Leida G. Abraçado, D. M. S. Esquivel & Eliane Wajnberg

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  1. Leida G. Abraçado
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Correspondence to Leida G. Abraçado.

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Abraçado, L.G., Esquivel, D.M.S. & Wajnberg, E. ZFC/FC of oriented magnetic material in the Solenopsis interrupta head with antennae: Characterization by FMR and SQUID. J Biol Phys 38, 607–621 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10867-012-9275-7

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