MAGNETIC STRUCTURES

摘要

The present invention relates to a process of and apparatus for forming a magnetic structure on a substrate (44) and also a magnetic structure formed by such a process and apparatus. The magnetic structure comprises a matrix in which magnetic particles are embedded. Apparatus (30) for forming the magnetic structure on the substrate (44) comprises a source of matrix material ( 32) which is operable to deposit the matrix material onto the substrate to thereby form the matrix. The apparatus (30) for forming the magnetic structure further comprises a source of magnetic particles (34) which is operable to deposit the magnetic particles onto the matrix as the matrix forms to thereby embed the magnetic particles in the matrix. Each magnetic particle comprises a core covered at least in part with a layer of metal, at least one of the matrix material and the core is of ferromagnetic material and the core and the layer of metal are of different materials.