[en] Equi-atomic FeRh is highly unusual in that it undergoes a rst 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 eld 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 lm limit (tFeRh < 10 nm) where interfaces are crucial. Here we determine the properties of FeRh lms in the thickness range 2.5–10 nm grown directly on MgO substrates. Our magnetometry and structural measurements show that a perpendicular strain eld 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.
Disciplines :
Physical, chemical, mathematical & earth Sciences: Multidisciplinary, general & others
Author, co-author :
Barton, C. W.
Ostler, Thomas ; Université de Liège > Département de physique > Physique des matériaux et nanostructures
Huskisson, D.
Kinane, C. J.
Haigh, S. J.
Hrkac, G.
Thomson, T.
Language :
English
Title :
Substrate Induced Strain Field in FeRh Epilayers Grown on Single Crystal MgO (001) Substrates
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