Strain dependent selection of spin-slip phases in sputter deposited thin-film epitaxial holmium

Abstract

We report the structural and magnetic characterization of sputter deposited epitaxial Ho. We present room temperature characterization by atomic force microscopy and x-ray diffraction and temperature dependent characterization by x-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction. The data show the onset and change of the magnetic state as a function of temperature. Films of different thickness, exhibiting signs of differing epitaxially induced strain, tend towards specific spin-slip phases in the low temperature regime. The more highly strained thinnest films tend towards values with a longer magnetic wavelength.