Magnetic coupling in highly-ordered NiO/Fe3O4(110): Ultrasharp magnetic interfaces vs. long-range magnetoelastic interactions

TL;DR

This study investigates the magnetic interface in NiO/Fe3O4(110) using X-ray magnetic dichroism, revealing an ultrasharp transition and complex interactions influenced by structural and electronic factors.

Contribution

It provides detailed insights into the electronic, magnetic, and structural properties of NiO/Fe3O4(110) interfaces, highlighting the role of reconstruction and magnetoelastic effects.

Findings

Ultrasharp magnetic and structural transition at the interface

Enhanced Fe and Ni orbital moments due to bonding anisotropy

Absence of spin-flop coupling explained by structural and magnetoelastic factors

Abstract

We present a laterally resolved X-ray magnetic dichroism study of the magnetic proximity effect in a highly ordered oxide system, i.e. NiO films on Fe3O4(110). We found that the magnetic interface shows an ultrasharp electronic, magnetic and structural transition from the ferrimagnet to the antiferromagnet. The monolayer which forms the interface reconstructs to NiFe2O4 and exhibits an enhanced Fe and Ni orbital moment, possibly caused by bonding anisotropy or electronic interaction between Fe and Ni cations. The absence of spin-flop coupling for this crystallographic orientation can be explained by a structurally uncompensated interface and additional magnetoelastic effects.