Fe3O4 films on Ag(001)—Generation of high-quality epitaxial ferrimagnetic metal oxide films

Abstract

A well-ordered Fe film epitaxially grown on Ag(001) has been applied to different post deposition treatments of oxidation and post oxidation annealing. The structure of the film and its surface has been investigated by x-ray diffraction and low energy electron diffraction, while x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to determine the film stoichiometry. A first oxidation step at moderate temperature leads to a badly ordered Fe2O3 film. The structure of the film is improved by additional annealing at increased temperature. Finally, a well-ordered Fe3O4 film is obtained with well developed magnetic properties as proved by vector magneto optical Kerr effect experiments.