Magneto-optical studies of novel epitaxial films

Conference · Sun Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5905652

Bader, S D; Moog, E R

The magneto-optic Kerr-effect technique is used to explore the magnetic properties of ultra-thin epitaxial films of iron and chromium grown on (100) faces of gold and copper. The studies extend into the monolayer range, and are performed in the ultra-high-vacuum environment in which the films are grown. Auxiliary low-energy electron diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy studies are used to characterize the epitaxy and growth-mode behavior. Highlights include: (a) an observed lowering of the Curie temperature, compared to that of the bulk, for monolayer-range from grown epitaxially on the lattice-matched (100) face of gold; (b) correlations between magnetism and morphology; (c) a search for the predicted ferromagnetism of chromium monolayers; and (d) the observation of a new, metastable surface magnetic state for the high-temperature, face-centered-cubic phase of iron, which is stabilized via epitaxy on the (100) face of copper. The opportunities, challenges and limitations posed by the present magneto-optical approach in assessing the properties of these atomically-engineered materials will be evaluated. 32 refs., 6 figs.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 5905652
• Report Number(s): CONF-8704228-1; ON: DE87011408
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360204* -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Physical Properties
AUGER EFFECT
BCC LATTICES
CHROMIUM
COPPER
CRYSTAL GROWTH
CRYSTAL LATTICES
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
CUBIC LATTICES
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELEMENTS
EPITAXY
FCC LATTICES
FERROMAGNETISM
FILMS
GOLD
HYSTERESIS
IRON
KERR EFFECT
LAYERS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
MAGNETISM
METALS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
THIN FILMS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS