Role of surface disorder on the magnetic properties and hysteresis of nanoparticles

We present the results of Monte Carlo simulations of a model of a single maghemite ferrimagnetic nanoparticle including radial surface anisotropy distinct from that in the core with the aim to clarify what is its role on the magnetization processes at low temperatures. The low temperature equilibrium states are analized and compared to those of a ferromagnetic particle with the same lattice structure. We have found that the formation of hedgehog-like structures due to increased surface anisotropy is responsible for a change in the reversal mechanism of the particles.