Search for content and authors
 

Interfaces between Fe and III-V semiconductors

Philippe Schieffer ,  André Guivarch ,  Guy Jézéquel ,  Claude Lallaizon ,  Bruno Lépine ,  Nicolas Tournerie ,  Pascal Turban 

Unité PALMS, Université Rennes I, Rennes F34042, France

Abstract

Generally, the interdiffusion processes between the ferromagnetic metals and the semiconductors take place during the interfaces formation and semiconductor atoms are released into the metallic layers and/or on the films surface. Using X and UV photoelectron spectroscopy as well as high energy electron and photoelectron diffraction we have studied and compared the growth of iron films at room temperature on GaAs(001)-(2x4) and Al0.52In0.48As(001)-(2x4) surfaces. Our results suggest that the same reaction mechanisms are implied during the interface formation for the two systems. There is an interdiffusion between the Fe and the semiconductors, and the interfaces are formed for coverage higher than 0.8 nm Fe. Our quantitative measurements demonstrate that a Fe solid solution is formed with 20-30 % of foreign atoms in the vicinity of the interfaces (~ 5 atomic planes). For the ultrathin films (0.5-2 nm) the two systems show a dominant in plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (with an easy axis along the [110] substrate direction) which is due to the anisotropic chemical bonding at the Fe/semiconductor (001) interface. Despite the reaction processes, the Fe/GaAs interface is rather sharp and the magnetic moment of Fe atoms at the interface is close to that of the bulk.

 

Legal notice
  • Legal notice:
 

Related papers

Presentation: Invited oral at E-MRS Fall Meeting 2006, Symposium E, by Philippe Schieffer
See On-line Journal of E-MRS Fall Meeting 2006

Submitted: 2006-05-10 16:22
Revised:   2009-06-07 00:44