Year: 2005
Type: article
Abstract: We have explored the influence of deposition pressure and temperature on the growth of BiFeO3 thin films by pulsed laser deposition onto (001)-oriented SrTiO3 substrates. Single-phase BiFeO3 films are obtained in a region close to 10−2mbar and 580°C. In nonoptimal conditions, x-ray diffraction reveals the presence of Fe oxides or of Bi2O3. We address the influence of these parasitic phases on the magnetic and electrical properties of the films and show that films with Fe2O3 systematically exhibit a ferromagnetic behavior, while single-phase films have a low bulklike magnetic moment. Conductive-tip atomic force microscopy mappings also indicate that Bi2O3 conductive outgrowths create shortcuts through the BiFeO3 films, thus preventing their practical use as ferroelectric elements in functional heterostructures.
Source: Applied Physics Letters
DOI: 10.1063/1.2009808
Authors: H. Béa, M. Bibes, A. Barthélémy, K. Bouzehouane, E. Jacquet, A. Khodan, J.-P. Contour, S. Fusil, F. Wyczisk, A. Forget, D. Lebeugle, D. Colson, M. Viret
Language: English
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2085350717