Growth and magnetic anisotropy of thin W(110)/Co films on Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}(11{bar 2}0)
The growth and magnetism of thin W(110)/Co films deposited by molecular beam epitaxy on single-crystal sapphire Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}(11{bar 2}0) substrates is investigated. Low-energy electron diffraction analysis shows that the Co films grow on the epitaxial W(110) substrate layer with a constant lattice strain up to a Co thickness d{sub Co}=20Aa. Pseudomorphic growth is found for the W[1{bar 1}0] direction. The thickness-dependent magnetic anisotropy is studied in situ at T=300K by means of magneto-optical Kerr-effect measurements on a Co wedge-shaped sample prior and after coverage with a Au overlayer. After the coverage the Co wedge reveals a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy for small Co film thickness followed by a spin-reorientation transition from out-of-plane to in-plane alignment of the magnetization vector in the thickness regime 7Aa{le}d{sub Co}{le}9Aa. Spin-dependent neutron reflectivity data provide evidence for a pronounced magnetic anisotropy within the film plane even for relatively thick Co films. The observed decrease of the splitting between spin-up and spin-down reflectivities for decreasing temperature indicates that the spin-reorientation transition of the system W(110)/Co/Au can also be induced thermally.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 40203501
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review B, Vol. 63, Issue 22; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.63.224415; Othernumber: PRBMDO000063000022224415000001; 045122PRB; PBD: 1 Jun 2001; ISSN 0163-1829
- Publisher:
- The American Physical Society
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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