Preparation and Stability of MnBi Thin Films

Abstract

A method to prepare thin films of MnBi by vapor deposition followed by a fast annealing process is described. Uniform and reproducible MnBi films suitable for magneto-optic applications can be obtained using this technique. Upon quenching from above 360°C, the high-temperature phase can be preserved at room temperature. The stability of this crystallographic phase has been evaluated and an activation energy of 1. 08 eV associated with the phase transformation from the quenched high-temperature phase to the normal low-temperature phase is determined.