Growth and Magnetism of Natural Multilayers

• In this work, we present a simple method to fabricate high quality Ni/NiO multilayers with the use of a single magnetron sputtering head. Namely, at the end of the deposition of each single Ni layer, air is let to flow into the vacuum chamber through a leak valve. Then, a very thin NiO layer (similar to 1nm) is formed by natural oxidation. The process is reproducible and the result is the formation of a multilayer with excellent layering. Magnetization hysteresis loops recorded at 5 K and room temperature reveal a tendency for perpendicular magnetic anisotropy as the thickness of the individual Ni layers decreases. It is shown that the Ni/NiO interface has sizeable positive surface/interface anisotropy, i.e. it favors the development of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. This is rather unusual for a Ni-based multilayered system and may render Ni/NiO multilayers useful for magneto-optical recording applications.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Ni

NiO

multilayers

growth

spintronics

magnetization

anisotropy

photovoltaics

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)