Spin reorientation transition in ultrathin Co films on the vicinal surface Au(788)

R J G Rosa,R L Souza,M D Martins,G F M Gomes,R M Paniago

doi:10.1063/9.0000178

R J G Rosa, R L Souza + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1063/9.0000178

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Abstract

In this work, we investigate the structural, morphological and magnetic properties of epitaxial Cobalt ultrathin films grown on the vicinal surface Au(788). The aim was to study the magnetization reversal and determine the influence of the regular arrangement of atomic steps, typical of a vicinal surface. The influence of the Co thickness on the spin reorientation from out-of-plane to in-plane magnetization were investigated by means of the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). Preparation and surface quality of the Co films were characterized using the surface experimental techniques LEED and STM. A smooth spin reorientation transition, between 8 and 12 atomic monolayers (ML) of Co, was observed from out-of-plane magnetization, between 5 ML and 12 ML of Co, to in-plane magnetization, above 13 ML of Co. Furthermore, the angular dependence of the magnetic hysteresis loops indicates uniaxial magnetic anisotropy parallel to the atomic steps in the surface plane of the system Au/Co/Au(788) for thicknesses between 13 ML and 20 ML of Co.

Highlights

IntroductionThe origin of magnetic anisotropy in low-dimensional systems has been explored due to a series of questions raised in systematic studies
The origin of magnetic anisotropy in low-dimensional systems has been explored due to a series of questions raised in systematic studies. Some of these questions are related to the intrinsic anisotropy mechanisms that contribute to in-plane magnetic anisotropy (IMA) and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA)
We have explored the influence of the surface structure and morphology induced by a regular matrix of atomic steps on the spin reorientation transition of ultrathin Co films on Au(788)

Summary

Introduction

The origin of magnetic anisotropy in low-dimensional systems has been explored due to a series of questions raised in systematic studies. Some of these questions are related to the intrinsic anisotropy mechanisms that contribute to in-plane magnetic anisotropy (IMA) and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA).. The PMA is related to an inner strong intrinsic mechanism that overcomes the extrinsic macroscopic shape anisotropy that arises from macroscopic dipole-dipole interaction. The IMA can originate from intrinsic, microscopic and magnetic states, besides the already known shape anisotropy. The study of systems with spin reorientation transition (SRT) is of fundamental importance for the understanding of the mechanisms that originate the magnetic anisotropies. SRT is usually related to the film thickness, temperature, or substrate morphology, which can be modified through vicinal surface and by preparation conditions.

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