Electrodeposited Magnetic Monolayers: In-Situ Studies of Magnetism and Structure

Abstract

We show that ultrathin magnetic films of Co and Fe in the thickness range of a few atomic monolayers can be prepared by electrodeposition from an aqueous electrolyte. The high quality of these films is demonstrated by their magnetic and structural properties, which are equivalent to the properties of molecular beam grown Co and Fe films. In order to measure the intrinsic properties of films in this thickness range, in situ measurements are applied to the electrochemical cell, similarly to in situ measurements at ultrathin films in ultrahigh vacuum. Magneto-optical Kerr effect and surface X-ray diffraction are presented as examples to measure magnetism and structure, even at the same film. Thus, electrodeposition of magnetic monolayers turns out to be a useful alternative to the preparation of magnetic ultathin films by ultahigh vacuum techniques.