Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: We present our study of (0001) oriented Mn 3 Sn (c-Mn 3 Sn) thin films synthesized directly on an MgO (111) substrate via molecular beam epitaxy. We identify a growth window where Mn 3 Sn growth can be controlled through slight adjustments of the Mn flux, achieving either μm²-sized high crystalline-quality islands or an almost completely continuous film. High-resolution X-ray diffraction results indicate that both films are highly (0001) oriented. The atomic resolution images show clear film-substrate interfaces displaying an epitaxial relationship. Scanning precession electron diffraction measurements reveal that the island featured sample has highly crystallized Mn 3 Sn. The sample featuring a high continuity exhibits defects in some areas but retains the dominant Mn 3 Sn structure. This work demonstrates a potential method for synthesizing high crystalline-quality Mn 3 Sn films with substantial coverage, facilitating the study of Mn 3 Sn films without the influence of an additional buffer layer and promoting their application in integrated spintronics.
Source: npj Quantum Materials
Authors: Longfei He, Ursula Ludacka, Payel Chatterjee, Matthias Hartl, Dennis Meier, Christoph Brüne
Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,890
OpenAlex ID: W4409755683