Size Effects in Epitaxial Films of Magnetite
Abstract
Recent results concerning epitaxial Fe(3)O(4) (001) films grown by reactive deposition on MgO (001) substrates as well as obtained by oxidation of epitaxial Fe (001) films are reviewed. Conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) performed in and ex situ was used to check the stoichiometry and electronic properties with monolayer resolution. Size effects were reflected in reduction of the Verwey temperature for film thickness less than 50 nanometers. With further decreases in thickness, the films showed strong deviation from bulk properties due to formation of a magnesium-rich phase near the MgO/Fe(3)O(4) interface. Surface oxidation to gamma-Fe(2)O(3), which can be reversed by annealing, was found using CEMS. The atomic scale surface characterization was accomplished for the first time in situ by scanning tunneling microscopy, which revealed details of the surface reconstruction and termination. (10 figures, 42 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 03, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADP013772
Entities
People
- B. Handke
- I. Flis-kabulska
- J. Korecki
- N. Spiridis
- T. Slezak
Organizations
- Polish Academy of Sciences