The interaction of Fe thin layers between MgO(100)-MgO and MgO(100)-Ag surfaces

TL;DR

This study investigates the atomic interactions and magnetic properties of ultrathin Fe films on MgO(100) surfaces using CEMS, revealing no Fe-O interaction and thickness-dependent magnetic anisotropy.

Contribution

It provides new insights into Fe/MgO interfaces, showing the absence of Fe-O bonds and how magnetic anisotropy varies with Fe layer thickness.

Findings

No Fe-O$^{2-}$ interaction at the interface

Magnetic anisotropy depends on Fe layer thickness

Different surface preparations affect Fe film properties

Abstract

The atomic interaction and magnetic properties of ultrathin Fe films grown on cleaved and polished MgO(100) surfaces were studied by conversion electron M\"{o}ssbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) in broad temperature range. Fe with different layer thickness was deposited on MgO substrates. The layers were formed on polished and cleaved substrate surfaces at RT. The analysis of the spectra showed no Fe-O$^{2-}$ interaction in MgO/Fe interface. Iron layers showed different magnetic anisotropy depending on their thickness.