Magnetic properties of novel epitaxial films (invited)

Abstract

The surface magneto-optic Kerr effect (SMOKE) is used to explore the magnetism of ultra thin Fe films extending into the monolayer regime. Both bcc α-Fe and fcc γ-Fe single-crystalline, multilayer films are prepared on the bulk-terminated (1×1) structures of Au(100) and Cu(100), respectively. The characterizations of epitaxy and growth mode are performed using low-energy electron diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy. Monolayer range Fe/Au(100) is ferromagnetic with a lower Curie temperature than bulk α-Fe. The controversial γ-Fe/Cu(100) system exhibits a striking, metastable, surface magnetic phase at temperatures above room temperature, but does not exhibit bulk ferromagnetism.