Thickness-dependent magnetic properties of bismuth ferrite thin films

Abstract

Thickness dependence of the magnetic behavior in BiFeO 3 films was investigated. BiFeO 3 films endure a phase transition from a distorted rhombohedral-type to a monoclinic-type, and its saturation magnetization increases with a decrease in film thicknesses. These results confirm that the improved saturation magnetization isnt due to artifact factors, but is attributed to the gradual decrease in grain sizes and the gradual increase in canting angle with decreasing the film thickness which are driven by the strain and phase transition. © 2011 The Electrochemical Society.