Self-organization of micro- and nanoparticles in ferrofluids

The principles of specific self-organization of particles with formation of chains, layers or three-dimensional structures in ferrofluids under the action of external magnetic field are considered. It is shown that interactions between the particles depend on the magnetic field magnitude, and this fact can be utilized to control parameters of the self-assembled structures. The changes in the optical properties of ferrofluids upon the formation of such structures are discussed. The bibliography includes 118 references.