Control of magnetic anisotropy in Fe{sub 1{minus}x}Co{sub x} films on vicinal GaAs and Sc{sub 1{minus}y}Er{sub y}As surfaces
We demonstrate that two distinct surface contributions to the magnetocrystalline anisotropy can be used to control the magnetic properties of thin films of bcc Fe{sub 1{minus}x}Co{sub x} grown on GaAs (100) and Sc{sub 1{minus}y}Er{sub y}As(100). The bare GaAs (100) surface has twofold symmetry, and Fe{sub 1{minus}x}Co{sub x} films grown directly on it show a strong uniaxial magnetic anisotropy. Fourfold symmetry is restored in films grown on interlayers of Sc{sub 1{minus}y}Er{sub y}As, in which the rock-salt structure provides a fourfold symmetric surface. A uniaxial magnetic anisotropy can be induced in this case by miscutting the substrate towards a {l_brace}111{r_brace} plane, so that vicinal steps run along a {l_angle}011{r_angle} direction. A simple Neel pair-bonding model describes the evolution of the anisotropy with the degree of miscut. For miscut GaAs (100) surfaces without interlayers, both the intrinsic anisotropy originating from the surface bonding and a step-induced term contribute to the total magnetic anisotropy. Depending on the orientation of the miscut, the step contribution can either enhance or partially suppress the intrinsic uniaxial anisotropy. {copyright} 2001 American Institute of Physics.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 40203835
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Applied Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Applied Physics Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 89; ISSN 0021-8979
- Publisher:
- The American Physical Society
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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