Magnetic structures

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A contrast agent and an apparatus for use in magnetic resonance imaging and for treatment by radio frequency pulse for creating a heat spot for cancer treatment, with a process comprising : forming magnetic nanoparticles by depositing at least in part a layer of metal 52 on a core of ferromagnetic material 58, in which the core and the layer of metal are composed of different materials. These may be further deposited in a matrix, e.g. refrigerated water as ice for making a solution of nanoparticles for application on surfaces, avoiding aggregation. The matrix material may be supplied from an MBE source (32, fig 2A) under ultra-high vacuum and may be ground down with the nanoparticles within. The core and/or matrix may comprise a ferromagnetic transition metal, e.g. Iron or Cobalt. These are preferably both in the nanoparticle to improve the magnetic moment by increasing the number of atoms at interfaces in the nanostructure (Fig 1B). The layer may be diamagnetic e.g. Gold or Silver. A matrix or layer may be a rare earth metal e.g. Dy or Ho. The nanoparticle may be a Fe/Co alloy encased in a biocompatible FeO shell. The nanoparticles may comprise a further layer, e.g. actively targeted liposomes, or passive EPR targeting of cancer cells may be used. Diagnosis and therapeutic applications may occur in succession.