Structural and magnetic analysis of MBE-grown Fe/Si/Fe and Fe/Ge/Fe sandwiches

The structure and the interlayer exchange coupling in MBE-grown nominal Fe/Ge 1− x Fe x /Fe( x=0.0, 0.25, 0.33, 0.5) and Fe/Si/Fe sandwiches with wedge-shaped spacer layers were investigated. In the case of Fe/Si a sample with a wedge-shaped magnetic layer was also studied. From a structural analysi...

Full description

Saved in:

Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials Vol. 165; no. 1; pp. 435 - 438
Main Authors:	de Vries, J.J., Kohlhepp, J., den Broeder, F.J.A., Verhaegh, P.A., Jungblut, R., Reinders, A., de Jonge, W.J.M.
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier B.V 1997
Subjects:	Exchange coupling — interlayer Thin films — sandwich Exchange coupling — interlayer Thin films — sandwich
Online Access:	Get full text
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!

Description
Summary:	The structure and the interlayer exchange coupling in MBE-grown nominal Fe/Ge 1− x Fe x /Fe( x=0.0, 0.25, 0.33, 0.5) and Fe/Si/Fe sandwiches with wedge-shaped spacer layers were investigated. In the case of Fe/Si a sample with a wedge-shaped magnetic layer was also studied. From a structural analysis with LEED and from a magnetic analysis with the magneto-optical Kerr effect, it is concluded that the Si spacer transforms into an SiFe alloy with the deposition of Fe. A strong antiferromagnetic coupling is found in the case of Fe/Si, but no antiferromagnetic coupling is found for Fe/Ge 1− x Fe x . It appears that the coupling behavior in Fe/Si(SiFe)/Fe sandwiches as a function of spacer thickness is monotonous rather than oscillatory.
ISSN:	0304-8853
DOI:	10.1016/S0304-8853(96)00579-3