Work

Correlation between morphology and magnetic properties of Fe66Ge34 films

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We demonstrate the effect of varying surface temperature during co-evaporation of iron and germanium on the film morphology, segregation, magnetic anisotropy, and magnetization configuration and reversal. Using nominally the same growth conditions with and without aluminum seed layer on silicon nitride, different mounting strategies are discussed. Our results divulge the inevitable increase in surface temperature due to radiation heating that alters the structural and chemical short-range order. Films synthesized at room temperature while rotating the substrate are generally isotropic and nanogranular, while low-temperature homogeneous materials reveal a sizable uniaxial, in-plane anisotropy and striped domain formation. Our work underlines the need for low-temperature depositions to synthesize amorphous materials with tailored short-range order and functionality and informs the nascent field of amorphous quantum materials.

Source: Journal of Applied Physics

DOI: 10.1063/5.0303381

Authors: Omar Taha, Ruthi Zielinski, Jing Guo, Xavier Sorto, Robert Streubel

Institution: University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Language: English

Topic: Magnetic properties of thin films

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,500

Funder: National Science Foundation