Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy induced by 6p atomic layers: Crucial role of interface structural order

Abstract

Two-dimensional atomic layers composed of metallic atoms with a high principal quantum number in valence shells are promising materials for applications in state-of-the-art magnetic devices due to the presence of a strong spin-orbit coupling. In this work we experimentally explored the effects of triggering perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) of ferromagnetic (FM) films by applying a series of $6p$-Pb, Bi and $4d$-Pd (reference) atomic layers with high-level atomic orbital and low-level lattice strain. Our research indicates that, compared with Pd atoms, Pb and Bi atoms can produce higher-strength PMA on adjacent FM films through orbital hybridization at the interface. Moreover, we demonstrate that the PMA induced by Pb and Bi atoms is highly sensitive to the ordering degree of the wetting layer which is determined by the interplay of surface free, cohesive, and strain energies within the grown materials; the Pb(Bi) atoms added on the wetting layer can enhance the PMA of the adjacent FM film only when the wetting layer maintains an ordered structure. This work clarifies the critical interface effects of $6p$-HMs on the FM layer, thus providing important clues to increase control over the spin-orbit interaction engendered by HMs through the interface.