Substrate Induced Strain Field in FeRh Epilayers Grown on Single Crystal MgO (001) Substrates

BARTON, C. W., OSTLER, Thomas, HUSKISSON, D., KINANE, C. J., HAIGH, S. J., HRKAC, G. and THOMSON, T (2017). Substrate Induced Strain Field in FeRh Epilayers Grown on Single Crystal MgO (001) Substrates. Scientific Reports, 7 (44397).

[img]
Preview
PDF
srep44397.pdf - Published Version
Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (1MB) | Preview
Official URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/srep44397
Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1038/srep44397

Abstract

Equi-atomic FeRh is highly unusual in that it undergoes a first order meta-magnetic phase transition from an antiferromagnet to a ferromagnet above room temperature (Tr ≈ 370 K). This behavior opens new possibilities for creating multifunctional magnetic and spintronic devices which can utilise both thermal and applied field energy to change state and functionalise composites. A key requirement in realising multifunctional devices is the need to understand and control the properties of FeRh in the extreme thin film limit (tFeRh < 10 nm) where interfaces are crucial. Here we determine the properties of FeRh films in the thickness range 2.5–10 nm grown directly on MgO substrates. Our magnetometry and structural measurements show that a perpendicular strain field exists in these thin films which results in an increase in the phase transition temperature as thickness is reduced. Modelling using a spin dynamics approach supports the experimental observations demonstrating the critical role of the atomic layers close to the MgO interface.

Item Type: Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Materials and Engineering Research Institute > Modelling Research Centre > Materials Modelling group
Departments - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Faculty of Science, Technology and Arts > Department of Engineering and Mathematics
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1038/srep44397
Depositing User: Thomas Ostler
Date Deposited: 12 Apr 2017 13:22
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2021 04:06
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/15544

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics