Electron-beam-evaporation-based multi-source oxide MBE as a synthesis method for high-quality and novel magnetic materials—beyond 3d transition metal compounds

Abstract

Magnetism and magnetic materials are among the most extensively studied research topics in condensed matter physics. While many practical applications of magnetic materials have been already launched, including permanent magnet motors, magnetic heads in hard disc drives (HDDs), and magnetoresistive random access memories (MRAMs), further search for new magnetic materials has not lost its charm. Here, we show that a multi-electron gun MBE apparatus for oxides, equipped with a high precision rate control system enables the synthesis of well-known ferromagnetic oxides, e.g., SrRuO3 of unparalleled quality. Furthermore, this method also allows to fetch novel magnetic materials, e.g., Sr3OsO6, that are well outside of the synthesis conditions known from 3d transition metal oxides.